Linking Science and Policy for Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution in the Great Lakes Region

While some environmental problems in the Great Lakes have been ameliorated in the last few decades, others have not. One problem that still resists solution is urban nonpoint source pollution: contaminated runoff from impervious surfaces (such as roads, parking lots, and roofs), and from other sources, such as lawns and construction sites. This form of pollution is rooted in fundamental aspects of the North American way of life, particularly the expansion of low-density suburban areas, much of which consists of impervious, contaminated surfaces or lawns. Just as the origins of nonpoint source urban pollution are diffused across the landscape, so too is responsibility. Regulation of urban development largely rests with hundreds of municipalities or other regional bodies within the Great Lakes region. These are often poorly equipped to adopt a broad, ecosystem perspective to the issue; they also often lack the expertise necessary to understand the problem or to regulate its sources effectively. The complexity of the problem, and the lack of capacity of many of the responsible agencies, pose a special challenge for science. Much scientific information is available regarding nonpoint source pollution: its sources, control, and remediation. There are also numerous scientific uncertainties. But attention needs to be focused not simply on research or information needs, but on identifying problems in the linkage between scientific information and land use decisions more generally. In particular, the role of science in encouraging more innovative forms of urban development that can reduce nonpoint source pollution needs to be considered. Such forms—often under the rubric of "smart growth"—are more compact, efficient and environmentally sustainable than conventional suburban development. These virtues of smart growth have been widely noted, but the political and economic will to actually implement this form of development is often lacking. A case study of an environmental controversy involving suburban development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, north of Toronto, illustrates some of the obstacles to smart growth, and the role that science might play in overcoming these obstacles. In particular, it highlights how science can contribute to broadening the basis for environmental protection, beyond managerial and technical approaches, by empowering communities to understand, and to protect their local environment, fostering a civic environmentalism. 3-To extend our understanding of the issues raised by this pilot study, and to further the objectives of the IAGLR/Joyce Foundation project on science and policy, IAGLR should consider partnerships with local agencies responsible for nonpoint source …