Purpose: This page provides guidance on the choosing the best pollution reduction estimator for the Best Management Practice (BMP) proposed or reported in eLINK.
This document is a guide to selecting pollution reduction estimators for Best Management Practices (BMPs). Multiple estimators are listed for some BMPs and you may choose which are most appropriate. Not all estimators listed need to be used, however in many circumstances using more than one is necessary to estimate a suite of pollutants. The choice of estimator depends on site specific characteristics. BMPs without a recommended estimator are labeled with “Not Applicable”, “Not currently available or under development” or “Prevention”. Definitions of each practice can be found on the “Practices” eLINK Guidance page.
Not Applicable includes BMPs that are either unlikely to reduce pollution or pollution reduction is too site specific and a generalized estimator is not appropriate.
Not currently available or under development includes BMPs for which estimators do not exist or BWSR does not recommend a specific estimator.
Prevention includes BMPs which are recognized as preventing pollution rather than mitigating an existing pollution concern.
Note: This guidance document does not include all available pollution reduction estimators or models. Use of peer reviewed/professionally accepted estimators or models are acceptable when available and appropriate. For more details on NRCS practice standards, visit Section IV of the NRCS Field Ofwefice Technical Guide at http://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
Choosing Estimator Based on Practices (pdf)