Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
LIMIT RUNOFF POLLUTION
The EPA suggests several ways in which the average person, no mat-
ter where he or she lives, can lessen the impact of water runoff,
known as nonpoint source pollution, or NPS:*
Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and
storm drains. These outlets drain directly to lakes, streams, rivers,
and wetlands.
Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to
directions.
Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chem-
icals properly, not in storm sewers or drains. If your community
does not already have a program for collecting household hazard-
ous wastes, ask your local government to establish one.
Clean up spilled brake fl uid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not
hose them into the street, where they can eventually reach local
streams and lakes.
Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover
and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
Encourage local government offi cials to develop construction
erosion and sediment control ordinances in your community.
Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum,
every three to fi ve years so it operates properly.
Purchase household detergents and cleaners low in phosphorus
to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into lakes, streams,
and coastal waters.
*U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution): What
You Can Do to Prevent NPS Pollution” http://epa.gov/owow/nps/whatudo.html.
GOVERNMENT IN THE PICTURE
Government must play a role, too, at the local level and up.
Remember the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina? The government long had been accused of dragging
its feet on that investigation. Guilt or innocence aside, the case is
a prime example of what can and does happen. We've talked about
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