|
So it's been raining for weeks. Where does all that water go? The rain falls on fields, golf courses and lawns, on forests and industrial sites. It mixes with oil, pesticides and other nasty substances before finding its way into area lakes, rivers and streams — many of them salmon-bearing — and eventually into Humboldt Bay or the Pacific Ocean.
Storm water is a source of pollution, because there are pollutants in our environment that are picked up by the storm water. Runoff used to be a concern primarily for lakes and smaller bodies of water. Now larger bodies are at risk as the population booms.
Industry, septic tanks and manure-rich dairies are not the only polluters putting salmon runs and whales at risk. We each, in our very small ways — multiplied by the thousands of us — are contributing to the overall pollution of our waters. Cars leak fluids and spew brake-shoe and tire residue onto the street. Homeowners use pesticides to ensure velvety lawns. Pet owners neglect to clean up after their dogs. Anything we use in our home or cars, like paint, pesticide, fertilizers, cleaners and motor oil can wind up in the street and contribute to storm water pollution.
Fortunately, it doesn't take much to prevent pollution. It's everybody's responsibility. It's about caring for your car so it doesn't leak oil, using organic alternatives in the garden, cleaning up after yourself, no longer treating our environment as if we had a spare in the trunk.
For More Information on Storm Water Pollution Prevention:
|
