Chapter 3, Section 2: Best Management Practices
The term BMP applies to structural and management practices that are used in agriculture, forestry, urban land development, and industry to reduce the potential for damage to natural resources from human activities. A BMP may be structural (i.e., something that is built or involves changes in landforms or equipment), or it may be managerial (i.e., a specific way of using or handling infrastructure or resources). All Section 319 grant funded management practices must have technical credibility as evidenced by standards and specifications that can be produced for review by Section 319 staff. A partial list of acceptable management measures is included in Appendix A.
To be considered a BMP, a practice must be selected through a conscious planning process designed to inventory resources and needs, determine available alternatives, weigh their benefits, and make decisions. In addition, after the selection and implementation of practices have been completed, follow-up needs to include monitoring and evaluation to verify the desired effect.
Sources for standards and specifications for BMPs appropriate to Indiana are detailed in Appendix A, and listed below:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service, Field Office Technical Guide
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Indiana’s Forestry Best Management Practices (click on Forestry BMPs)
- The Indiana Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil Conservation, Erosion and Sediment Control Practices for Developing Areas
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lakeshore Protection in Indiana
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources, The Indiana Drainage Handbook
- Indiana Department of Environment Management, The Indiana Storm Water Quality Manual
- Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, Illinois Urban Manual
BMPs are selected to address specific NPS pollution problems and are considered in relation to impacts on surface water. However, consideration must also be given to possible impacts on ground water. The selection of BMPs must weigh expected benefits against costs.
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