Which of the following describes nonpoint-source pollution?

Nonpoint-source pollution refers to the type of pollution that does not originate from a single, identifiable source. Instead, it often occurs as a result of runoff or drift, meaning that pollutants can be dispersed over a large area and can come from multiple sources at once. This could include agricultural runoff from fields, urban runoff from city streets, or pollutants carried by wind.

The term captures the complexity of managing and mitigating nonpoint-source pollutants, as they can enter water bodies from diverse locations and situations, making it challenging to pinpoint their origins. As a result, it typically involves a broader environmental issue that requires coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions and strategies to effectively address.

In contrast, options that describe pollution from specific identifiable locations or that can be traced back to a single event do not fit the definition of nonpoint-source pollution, as they refer to point-source pollution, which is easier to regulate due to its identifiable nature. Similarly, describing it solely as a statewide monitoring issue does not emphasize the diffuse characteristics that define nonpoint-source pollution.