"Hard Tools" are, as an arbitrary distinction, tools that relate to "on-the-ground" implementation.

See also Nonpoint Source Program pages, which offer similar information.

Restoration Tools

• Stormwater - Web Site dedicated to providing a source of  information regarding stormwater pollution,  treatment methodologies, and related issues.  (Creech Engineers, Inc.)
• BMP Database - A new tool for evaluating stormwater BMP effectiveness.  (Best Management Practices)
• Backyard Conservation - Backyard Conservation shows you how conservation practices that are used on agricultural land across the country to conserve and improve natural resources can be adapted for use on the land around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable.   (USDA)
• Stream Corridor Restoration - This document is intended primarily for interdisciplinary technical and managerial teams and individuals responsible for planning, designing, and implementing stream corridor restoration initiatives.  (USDA)
• Measures to Control Agricultural Runoff  - A technical guidance and reference document for use by state, local, and tribal managers in the implementation of nonpoint source pollution management programs.  (US EPA)
• Pesticide Best Management Practices  - The protection of the nation's surface water and groundwater resources has become one of the primary environmental issues facing pesticide applicators.
• Compliance Assistance - Environmental regulations can be confusing. It's often hard to find out exactly what you need to do, in language that relates directly to the operations of your business or government agency.  (National Compliance Assistance Center) 
• National Management Measures to Protect and Restore Wetlands and Riparian Areas for the Abatement of Nonpoint Source Pollution -  A technical guidance for use by agency and citizen groups in the implementation of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution management programs has just been released by EPA.  The new guidance contains information on the best available, economically achievable means of reducing nonpoint source pollution through the protection and restoration of wetlands and riparian areas, as well as the implementation of vegetated treatment systems.

Protection Tools

• Model Ordinances - This web site includes model ordinances to serve as a template for those charged with making decisions concerning growth and environmental protection.
• Drinking Water Supply Protection
  • What is Source Water Protection? Source Water Assessment Using Geographic Information Systems
  • Division of Water Source Water Assessment and Protection Planning (Kentucky Division of Water) (Link not available at this time.)
  • Kentucky Water Supply Planning  Planning water use is essential to assure that adequate drinking water is available now and in the future. All Kentuckians should be concerned with the adequacy and quality of their local drinking water supply. This site presents the Kentucky water supply planning efforts.   (Kentucky Division of Water)
  • Source Water Protection Recommendations - All items presented in the following table are provided as recommendations for the protection of drinking water supplies.  (Kentucky Division of Water)
  • Protection Area Interactive Maps - Kentucky water management interactive maps.
  • EPA Source Water Protection Home Page - This site has basic information about the water used for drinking water and the federal, state, and local programs that assess and manage potential public health risks, including a Web Guide - an annotated guide to EPA source water resources.
  • Training Materials on Supply Protection Measures - Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers which is used to supply private wells and public drinking water.
  • Acquisition of Water Supply Protection Areas
    • Why should public water utilities use conservation easements? - A guide for public water companies.
    • Why should private land owners care about conservation easements? - A guide for property owners.
    • What are issues related to sale or donation of conservation easements? - There can be no dispute with Congress’ recent finding in its 1996 Amendment of the Safe Drinking Water Act that "safe drinking water is essential to the protection of public health."
    • Model conservation easement -- easement by donation. - An easement deed by donation.  (This is a PDF document.  You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.  Download Acrobat free.) 
    • Model conservation easement -- easement by sale. - An easement deed by sale.  (This is a PDF document.  You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.  Download Acrobat free.) 
• Stormwater Utility Fees
  • Orlando, Florida: Stormwater utility rates - Stormwater Utility Fee is imposed on each parcel of land within the city. Properties that have existing stormwater management facilities in accordance with the Orlando Urban Stormwater Management Manual (OUSWMM), or those planning such facilities, may have their fee reduced or pro-rated as determined by the Utility Division Chief.
  • Sarasota County, Florida: Mechanism for charging fees based on impervious cover.  - Stormwater Management Financing Case Study, Sarasota County, Florida  (This is a PDF document.  You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.  Download Acrobat free.)
  • Northern Kentucky: Storm runoff fees - Northern Kentucky is forming a plan to take care of its storm water and comply with the federal Clean Water Act.

Wastewater

• Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Systems - Decentralized treatment systems include individual onsite septic systems, cluster systems, and alternative wastewater technologies. EPA has developed this web site to provide tools to help communities investigate and implement an onsite/decentralized management program.  (U.S. EPA)
• Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - This update of the 1980 Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems was developed to provide supplemental and new information for wastewater treatment professionals in both the public and private sectors. This manual is not intended to replace the previous manual, but rather to further explore and discuss recent developments in treatment technologies, system design, and long-term system management.  (U.S. EPA)
• Decentralized Wastewater Training & Research - The Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment, often referred to as "The Onsite Consortium," is a group of educational institutions cooperating on decentralized wastewater training and research efforts. The Consortium also includes people from educational institutions, citizens groups, regulatory agencies and private industry.   (Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment)