|
 |
|
More Examples of What You Can Do to Prevent
Nonpoint Source Pollution From the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Copied with permission from the Alliance for the Chesapeake
Bay, Inc. 6600 York Rd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21212-9897 special
on Watershed Watch.
- Limit the amount of impenetrable surfaces in your landscape.
Use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, and
concrete lattice to let water soak into the ground.
- Allow thick vegetation or buffer strips to grow along waterways
to slow runoff and soak up pollutants. Plant trees, shrubs, and
ground cover. They will absorb up to 14 times more rainwater than
a grass lawn and don't require fertilizer.
- Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
If you must use chemicals, test your soil to determine the right
amount. See also
Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety.
- Don't hose down driveways or sidewalks. Dry sweeping paved
areas, along with careful trash disposal, are simple, effective
pollution reducers.
- Gutters and down spouts should drain onto vegetated or gravel-
filled seepage areas - not directly onto paved surfaces. Splash
blocks also help reduce erosion.
- Divert runoff from pavement to grassy, planted or wooded areas
of your property, so stormwater can seep slowly into the ground.
- Compost grass clippings and leaves. Never allow them to wash
into roadways where they will reach storm drains.
- Get involved in the planning and zoning process in your community.
That's where the decisions are made that shape the course of development
and the future quality of our environment.
- Place litter, including cigarette butts, in trash receptacles.
Never throw litter in streets or down storm drains.
- Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. Many common
household products, (paint thinners, moth balls, drain and oven
cleaners, etc.) contain toxic ingredients. When improperly used
or discarded, these products are a threat to public health and
the environment. Do not pour hazardous products down any drain
or toilet. Do not discard with regular household trash. Learn
about natural and less toxic alternatives and use them whenever
possible. Contact your County Solid Waste Management Office for
information regarding hazardous waste collection in your area.
- Recycle all used motor oil by taking it to a sevice station
or local recycling center. Motor oil contains toxic chemicals
that are harmful to humans and animals. Do not dump used motor
oil down storm drains or on the ground.
- Animal wastes contain bacteria and viruses that contaminate
shellfish and cause the closing of bathing areas. Pet owners should
pick up after their pets and dispose of the wastes in the garbage
or toilet.
- Wash your car on the grass so soapy water soaks into the ground.
Use a hose nozzle to prevent water from running when not in use.
|
