The Solution to Storm Water Pollution Published March 23, 2010 By Ron Dell 17th Civil Engineer Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Everything seems cleaner after a rainstorm. Dirt washes away from sidewalks, streets and buildings. Mud makes it way down the gutters and into rivers and lakes that fill from the storm water runoff, washing away what was unclean. In reality, the runoff moves along with it, polluting one place to another. We have all come to expect clean water as part of our everyday lives. To that end, we need to take measures to prevent storm water pollution from getting into our waterways. This is one of the reasons for governmental emphasis on clean water laws, regulations, and programs. Storm water comes into contact with common contaminants, such as animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, trash, sediment, and other pollutants that degrade our waterways. Our drainage system, rivers and lakes are also vulnerable to automotive and equipment spills and leaks. Illegal dumping of oil, vehicle fluids, detergents, paints and many other chemicals compound this issue. Polluted water can cause human illness, kill aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, and increases the cost of treating our drinking water supply. There are things each of us can do to improve our water quality. The best way to stop storm water pollution is at its source. Much of the pollution that enters storm water drainage, creeks, rivers, and lakes is a concern. It also requires your help through personal awareness and sound pollution prevention practices at home and work. Goodfellow has an informational brochure for your use in daily recreational and residential activities. The simple guidelines presented in the brochure, can help protect the waterways we depend and benefit from. The brochure is available at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp, CES Environmental, or electronically on the CES portal web page. For more information call 325-654-3456. How can you help? The best way to control storm water pollution is at its source. Since many of your daily activities may be contributing to storm water pollution, the following is a list of things you can do to help improve storm water quality. Detergents and Chemicals Use a commercial car wash. Use pesticides and fertilizers in-accordance-with label directions. Clean paint brushes and construction materials in a sink that drains to the sewer and subsequently to a wastewater treatment plant. Oils, Grease, and Engine Fluids Regularly check vehicles and equipment for leaks. Recycle used oil and vehicle or equipment fluids at authorized recycling centers (e.g. service stations, auto part stores, household hazardous waste centers.) Clean spilled fluids with dry absorbent material and dispose of in a waste receptacle. Sediment Sweep-up debris from garages, driveways, sidewalks, and gutters instead of hosing down. Cover stockpiles and other areas of exposed soil. Control erosion with the use of erosion control blankets, straw wattles, and/or revegetation/landscaping. Bacteria and Viruses Pick-up pet waste and dispose of in a trash receptacle. Keep trash and recycling receptacle areas clean. Trash and Debris Throw away all trash in a waste receptacle. Properly store chemicals and wastes indoors to prevent contact with storm water. Keep dumpsters and trash receptacles closed at all times.
