Earth Gauge » Household Hazardous Waste

World Wetlands Day

espinoza — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:16 +0000

Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. Wetlands come in many forms and go by many names – estuaries, bogs, mangrove swamps, vernal pools, marshes, riparian wetlands, cypress swamps, playa lakes and more! Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. If you’ve been hunting, clamming, crabbing, or enjoy eating salmon, you reaped the benefits of wetland ecosystems. Wetlands are some of the most important resources for migratory birds like ducks, geese and sandhill cranes, and also support moose, black bears, lynx, beavers and other wildlife. Cranberries and blueberries grow in bogs in the northern United States.

Despite their many benefits, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland – California alone has lost more than 91 percent of its coastal wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes. Since the arrival of settlers, 70 percent of tidally influenced wetlands in Puget Sound have been lost. And, only about 40 to 50 percent of the prairie region’s original prairie pothole wetlands remain undrained today.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you live, chances are there’s a wetland nearby. Development that occurs on or nearby wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Try these tips to protect your local wetlands:

Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These pollutants can wash into storm drains and eventually reach a wetland.
Choose native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into local waterways.
Many exotic animals are introduced into wetlands by homeowners and hobbyists, where they can harm native wildlife. If you have a home aquarium with exotic saltwater or freshwater fish or raise non-native amphibians or reptiles, do not release them into the wild.
Volunteer to help monitor local wetlands near you. Visit water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm for more information!

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Wetlands”, http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/index.cfm; “Volunteer Monitoring”, http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm; “American Wetlands Month,” www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/; Izaak Walton League of America, “Wetlands Sight and Sounds Series,” http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=353; National Biological Information Infrastructure Digital Image Library, http://life.nbii.gov/index.php; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library System, http://images.fws.gov/)

Mississippi River Watershed

espinoza — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:58:55 +0000

Did you know that the Mississippi River provides drainage for 41 percent of the continental United States? This means that if a single drop of rain falls anywhere in this area, which includes all or part of 31 states and two Canadian provinces, it becomes a part of the Mississippi River Watershed. The fate of this single drop of water then depends on several factors. If the ground is not saturated, the water will be pulled downward into the soil by gravity, where it becomes available for plants or recharges groundwater supplies. If the soil is saturated or if the water drop falls on some type of impervious surface such as rooftops, concrete or asphalt, the droplet will travel above the surface towards the nearest stream or body of water. As this drop of rain flows across the surface, it encounters a slew of possible contaminants including, but not limited to gasoline, pesticides, pet waste and fertilizers.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you are in a watershed, what you do on your property can affect the overall hydrologic system. An easy way to protect water quality at home is to keep rain water on your property by directing downspouts onto a lawn or grassy area, away from driveways and sidewalks.

You can learn more about the watershed you live in, both at a local and regional scale, by contacting your local Department of Natural Resources office or visiting their website.

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters. Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

Algae Impacts

espinoza — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:57:44 +0000

Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of healthy aquatic habitats. These nutrients support the growth of underwater plants that provide oxygen and habitat for fish and other animals. They also support algae growth, which is a source of food for many fish and shellfish. Aquatic habitats can become unbalanced, however, when too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the waters. Algae can grow out of control, reducing oxygen levels in the water and blocking sunlight that underwater plants need to grow. Too much algae in a water body can produce bad smells, clog drinking water filters and cause drinking water taste and order problems.

There are many sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, including agricultural livestock waste and fertilizer; fertilizers and pet waste from home yards and gardens; and detergents and soaps. Rain water can pick up these substances and carry them into storm drains and local water bodies. Sometimes, nitrogen and phosphorus can impact waters far from where the nutrients originate.

Viewer Tip: Reducing nutrient pollution at home will help protect waters nearby and downstream.

Apply fertilizer and other yard care chemicals only when necessary. Wait for dry weather to apply.
Pick up pet waste at home and on walks. Avoid walking pets near streams and other waterways.
Use a commercial car wash that filters and recycles water. Or, wash your car on a grassy or gravel-covered area where water can soak into the ground. Use soap sparingly.

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Nutrients: The Problem,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/problem.cfm and “Nutrients: Take Action,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/action.cfm

Oil in Estuaries

espinoza — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:52:03 +0000

When we think about oil pollution in estuaries and along the coasts, many of us think of the giant oil rigs and big spills like the Deepwater Horizon spill last year. But most oil pollution is generally the result of small spills and leaks from boats and ships. When oil comes into shallow waters and marshes, it can coat and smother birds, fish, amphibians and even small mammals. In estuarine marshes and coastal wetlands, oil can sink into mud and sediments and remain there for years and sometimes decades. Oil can still be found in Alaska’s Prince William Sound more than 20 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.

Viewer Tip: Even small motorized boats contribute to oil pollution in our bays and along our coasts. Two-cycle outboard motors—the type most often used by recreational boaters and anglers—release large amounts of unburned fuel-oil mixture into the water. Going fishing or boating? Take time and make sure your outboard motor is clean, primed and tuned.

This information brought to you by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Stormwater Smarts

espinoza — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:40:21 +0000

When it rains, what goes down the storm drain? As rain water flows over yards, driveways and city streets, it picks up pet waste, fertilizers and pesticides, oil from cars, trash and other pollutants. It’s tempting to think that storm water visits the local waste water treatment plant, but in most communities water that goes down the storm drain discharges into lakes and streams without any treatment at all. Polluted rain water can degrade water quality and cause closures of favorite fishing and recreation areas.

Viewer Tip: You can help protect water quality – starting in your own backyard.

Pick up. The Humane Society estimates there are more than 77 million owned dogs in the United States. If one of them belongs to you, make sure to pick up after your pet at home and on walks.
Slow down. Keep rain water on your property by directing downspouts onto a lawn or grassy area, away from driveways and sidewalks.
Use less. Try reducing the amount of fertilizers and pesticides you use on your lawn and garden. When you do apply yard-care products, make sure there is no rain in the forecast to minimize impacts on water quality.

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(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow; Think Blue Maine, http://www.thinkbluemaine.org/, University of Maryland – College Park Home and Garden Information Center, The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org)

Drains to the Bay

espinoza — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:13:48 +0000

Trash and chemicals that end up in the street drain directly into our waterways. For example, old motor oil that is poured down a storm drain on the side of the street will wind up in Tampa Bay. Fertilizer and pet waste that do not get absorbed by lawns also flow into the streets, down storm drains and into waterways. Many daily activities involving storm water runoff have a direct impact on the quality of the water. Although it may be tempting to assume that water flowing into roadside drains will get treated, this is not the case.

Viewer Tip: Try not to use harmful chemicals in your yard or driveway and don’t dispose of household chemicals directly into drains. You can also volunteer to mark storm drains in Tampa with the message “No Dumping! Drains to Our Bay!” Help educate the public about the harmful effects of stormwater runoff pollution and what we can all do to prevent it.

This information is provided by Tampa Bay Estuary Program, part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.tbep.org.

The Skinny on Stormwater

espinoza — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:07:43 +0000

Did you know that a typical city block generates more than five times as much rainwater or snowmelt runoff as a forested area of the same size? This is because rooftops and pavement do not allow water to soak into the ground like forests, wetlands and grasslands do. Instead, rainwater and snowmelt runs off pavement into the nearest storm drain where it is transported to local streams and rivers. On its way to the storm drain, water picks up pollutants like oil, antifreeze, pet waste, road salts and yard care chemicals. In most places, storm water does not get treated, so all of those pollutants end up in local waters.

Viewer Tip: It is easy to prevent storm water pollution at home.

Have your vehicle checked for leaks and repair them promptly. If you change your own oil or antifreeze, recycle these materials at a local service station. Never dump them outside or in a storm drain.
Pick up after pets on walks and in your yard. Throw waste away in a trash can.
Check the local forecast – always wait for dry weather before applying yard care chemicals like fertilizer or pesticide.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff.” Available from http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm)

San Juan Bay

espinoza — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:51:28 +0000

San Juan Bay provides a number of resources to Puerto Ricans, including commercial ports, beaches, recreation areas and historic areas. The Bay, which is partially enclosed by surrounding marshes, mangroves and land, has a limited ability to flush water out, making it particularly susceptible to accumulation of pollutants.

Viewer Tip: With so many water resources tied to San Juan Bay — the Martín Peña, Suárez, and San Antonio channels, the Condado, Los Corozos, San Jose, Torrecilla, and Piñnes lagoons, and the Puerto Nuevo River – it’s important to remember that what affects water quality upstream may also impact water quality miles away. One of the easiest ways to protect local water quality is to recycle or properly dispose of household wastes that contain chemicals, such as paints, pesticides, solvents, car fluids and other products. When these products are dumped in the trash, outdoors or in a storm drain, they can be carried directly to local streams and rivers when it rains. Proper disposal ensures that they stay out of our waters.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html;U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. “After the Storm.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html.)

We All Live Downstream

espinoza — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:12:10 +0000

Rain keeps our forests in the Pacific Northwest green. Raindrops also wash off our roofs, across lawns and down onto streets and parking lots, carrying chemicals from our yards and automobiles to local waterways. These chemicals are absorbed by small organisms that are eaten by fish, birds and animals and can disrupt reproduction and ability to fight disease. Cleaning up polluted runoff is required by federal law but can be very expensive. A cheaper and healthier alternative is to reduce chemical use around your home or use alternatives when possible. Another good strategy is to construct rain gardens and swales that reduce the amount of water that runs off our properties and paved surfaces and capture pollution.

Viewer Tip: The next time it rains, see if you can identify the places around your home or workplace where water runs off into the street and down storm drains. Your county or city public works department has free information and advice on how to reduce the amount of water that runs off your property and how to reduce and eliminate toxic chemical pollution in the water that runs off the land.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

This information is brought to you by People For Puget Sound, part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.PugetSound.org.

Nuisance Nutrients

espinoza — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:14:03 +0000

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in many streams and groundwater supplies across the country. Elevated levels were most often found in streams near agricultural areas, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest and Northwest, as well as near urban areas. In many cases, concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in streams and groundwater supplies are two to ten times greater than EPA’s recommended levels to protect aquatic life. These nutrients can also impact drinking water quality in private wells.

Viewer Tip: Nitrogen and phosphorus in streams and groundwater supplies come from many sources, including wastewater discharges, fertilizer and manure applications on agricultural land, and rain water runoff from residential and urban areas. At home, you can help keep nitrogen and phosphorus out of our water ways with these simple tips:

Never dump chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or pet waste in or near a storm drain.
Wait for dry weather to apply yard care treatments, like fertilizers or pesticides.
Direct home downspouts to grassy areas instead of pavement. This allows rain water to soak into the ground rather than running off into the street and storm drain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: USGS Release: Elevated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Still Widespread in Much of the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2599; Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org; U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow)

Drip by Drip

espinoza — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:04:55 +0000

The “Drip by Drip” Oil Spill

Did you know that a quarter of a million gallons of oil are being “spilled” in the Northeast each day? Where does this oil come from? Us, our families, friends and neighbors! Some do-it-yourself oil changers dispose of their motor oil in the trash or pour used oil down storm drains. Leaky cars contribute, too. They drip oil onto the ground and during a heavy rainstorm, this oil is washed down storm drains—many of which lead directly to Long Island Sound.

Viewer Tip: You can help reduce the amount of oil that ends up in the Sound and other waterbodies by following these simple tips.

Scientists estimate that four quarts of oil or gas can pollute a million gallons of water! Keep an eye out for oil leaking beneath cars and from heavy equipment. If you see that your car is leaking, be sure to fix it immediately.
Boaters can prevent oily discharge from the bilge and keep their engines well tuned. Place an oil absorbent pad or pillow under your engine where drips may occur and in your bilge. Be sure to check the pads often and dispose of oiled ones as hazardous waste at your marina or nearby collection center.
Get your oil changed by a professional or if you are going to do it yourself, make sure you properly dispose of the oil. Never pour motor oil on the ground, down a storm drain (it’s illegal in CT and NY), or in the garbage. Instead, bring your used motor oil to a recycling center. Recycling just two gallons of used oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for almost 24 hours.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

This information is provided by the Long Island Sound Study. Learn more at http://longislandsoundstudy.net/.

(Source: Sound Update: Oil Spills, http://longislandsoundstudy.net/2010/08/summer-2010-issue-oil-spills%E2%80%94common-even-in-the-sound/)

Helping the Gulf

espinoza — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:08:23 +0000

Did you know that you can help the Gulf of Mexico without traveling beyond your driveway? Our region is part of the Mississippi River watershed, an area of land that drains rain water and river water into the Gulf of Mexico. When it storms here, rainwater carries pollutants like fertilizer from farms and lawns, motor oil from driveways and litter from streets into our local waterways, which lead to the Mississippi River. Each summer, excess nitrogen from this polluted runoff causes a low-oxygen area – also known as a ‘dead zone’ – in the Gulf of Mexico that impacts marine life.

Viewer Tip: With millions of gallons of crude oil and chemical dispersants already in Gulf waters, marine life and biodiversity are more vulnerable than ever to other pollutants. No matter where you live in the Mississippi River watershed, you can help protect water quality in the Gulf with these tips:

Participate in a wetland, river or beach cleanup in your area. Check with your local watershed group or organize your own!
Never dump oil or other household chemicals in the street or in a storm drain. If you change your own motor oil, make sure to collect it in a clean can with a lid and take it to a service station or household hazardous waste collection site for recycling.
Use as little fertilizer and pesticide as possible. Most farmers and gardeners can use less fertilizer and still obtain the same amount of crop yield.
Prevent erosion by mulching and seeding areas where bare soil can be washed away in your yard. Adding mulch or vegetation to bare areas allows water to soak slowly into the ground, rather than running off quickly.
Instead of sweeping yard waste into the street or storm drain, use it for composting or mulching in your own backyard. You’ll protect your soil, prevent erosion, control weeds…and protect water quality.

Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mississippi River Basin map to find your location in the watershed: www.epa.gov/msbasin/marb.htm.

( Sources: GulfBase. General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php; National Park Service: A Profile of the Mississippi River. http://www.nps.gov/miss/naturescience/profmiss.htm; Frankenberger, Jane and Ron Turco. Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico: A Reason to Improve Nitrogen. Purdue Animal Issues Briefing AI-6; U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html; Dybas, Cheryl l., Dead Zones Spreading in World Oceans, Bioscience 552-557; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow;
Gulf Base: General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php;
US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. Www.epa.gov/owow)

Driveway Drips

espinoza — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:34:29 +0000

Residential driveways can account for up to 15 percent of the total paved area in a city or state. These paved surfaces are “hot spots” for accumulation of pollutants like motor oil, antifreeze and yard care chemicals. During a storm, rain water picks up pollutants from paved areas and heads to the storm drain, which often directs the water straight to our neighborhood streams and rivers without treatment. Too many pollutants in our water bodies can impact wildlife, fish and even drinking water quality.

Viewer Tip: There are easy ways to help protect water quality in your community.

Low cost: Keep your driveway free of pollutants and chemicals by fixing car leaks. If fertilizers or other yard care treatments spill onto the driveway, sweep them back onto the lawn or garden. Never use a hose to clean your driveway – the water will act just like a rain storm, carrying pollutants away to the storm drain.
Long-term investment: If you are replacing a driveway or walkway, consider using permeable pavements. There are many materials available that allow rain water to soak through to the soil rather than running off to the storm drain. For some examples, check out http://nemo.uconn.edu/tools/stormwater/pavements.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO). Planning for Stormwater: Driveways, http://nemo.uconn.edu/tools/stormwater/driveways.htm and Planning for Stormwater: Permeable Pavements, http://nemo.uconn.edu/tools/stormwater/pavements.htm)

Spring Cleaning

espinoza — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:30:19 +0000

How much hazardous waste does the average American household accumulate in one year? Ten pounds? Fifty? Actually, the typical home accumulates up to 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in just one year! Think of paints, pesticides, cleaning supplies, oil, antifreeze and other products that hide away in the basement, garage or shed. These products may contain corrosive, toxic or flammable ingredients. If products are dumped outside or stored in an area where rain or floodwater can reach them, they can be washed into storm drains, rivers and streams, and even well water, putting water quality at risk.

Viewer Tip: Take a few minutes during spring cleaning to make sure you’re properly storing and disposing of household hazardous wastes.

Store products in their original containers with labels to avoid misuse or accidental ingestion.
Never mix leftovers with other products – this may cause reactions or explosions. Mixing products may also make it so they cannot be recycled.
If you no longer need a product, take it to a local household hazardous waste collection program. Find one at www.cleanup.org.

Season: Spring

(Source: U.S. EPA. “Household Hazardous Waste.” http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/hhw.htm)

Rain Gardens

espinoza — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:06:07 +0000

Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30 percent. A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from artificial urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways and lawn areas to be absorbed. This reduces runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains and surface waters. Capturing storm water in a rain garden helps to reduce erosion, water pollution and flooding in our local creeks and streams, while also replenishing groundwater supplies. Rain gardens help fish and wildlife by protecting streams and rivers from pollutants carried by urban storm water like lawn fertilizer, pesticides and car fluids.

Viewer Tip: This is a great time of year to start planning a rain garden for your yard. Trout Unlimited suggests these tips for building rain gardens.

Place rain gardens at least ten feet from the house so water does not seep under the house’s foundation.
Typical residential rain gardens range from 100 to 300 square feet in size.
Rain gardens should be planted with native plants.

Helpful tips for building a garden: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/raingarden/Building.htm

Find plants that are native to your area: http://www.wildflower.org/explore/

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.

Three R’s for Texas

espinoza — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:07:15 +0000

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality estimates that Texans discard 1.5 million computers annually and depend on an average of six wireless (battery-powered) products daily! Computers, electronics and batteries contain metals like nickel, aluminum, mercury and lead. When these items end up in landfills, metals may vaporize into the air when burned or leach into groundwater and soils with rain water.

Viewer Tip: You can keep these items out of the landfill and protect air and water quality by remembering the three R’s:

Reduce: Help reduce the number of single-use batteries discarded each year by trying rechargeable batteries – most can be recharged up to 1,000 times!
Reuse: Donate working electronics you no longer need to charities, family members or friends.
Recycle: When batteries and electronics have reached the end of their lives, take them to a recycling center for proper handling. If every Texan recycled five batteries, we’d keep more than 39 million out of our landfills! Visit earth911.com to find a recycling center near you.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. “Take Care of Texas.” http://www.takecareoftexas.com/around-the-house/ and Earth 911. “Electronics 101.” http://earth911.com/electronics/electronics-101/)

Forget “FOG”

espinoza — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:24:03 +0000

Fats, oil and grease – “FOG” – that go down the drain can cause major problems in our sewer systems. These substances form thick layers inside sewer lines that can clog pipes and cause blockages. FOG clogs can cause raw sewage overflows, sewer backups and other issues, especially in areas with combined sewers designed to handle both rain water and waste water.

Viewer Tip: Commercial and residential kitchens are the biggest sources of “FOG” in urban areas. You can help keep FOG out of our sewer system. Instead of pouring cooking grease, oil or fat down the sink, scrape cooled grease and food scraps into a tin can or the trash can. You may also put baskets/strainers in your sink to catch food and grease solids before they go down the drain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Water-Environment Federation. “Fat-Free Sewers: Prevent Fats, Oils and Greases from Damaging Your HOme and the Environment.” Brochure. Available from www.wef.org)

The Problem with Rain

administrator — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:02:22 +0000

Rain is simply a part of life in the Northwest. But did you know that storm water runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in Puget Sound year-round? As rain water runs off yards and paved surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, fertilizers, trash, animal waste and soil. This often flows directly into local bodies of water without being filtered. This can lead to beach closures, affect fish and wildlife and it can even trigger toxic algae blooms.

Viewer Tip: The Port Townsend Marine Science Center reminds you that there are simple ways you can protect water quality:

Only wash your car at a car wash. This will recycle and filter the water before it flows into Puget Sound.
Plant native plants on your property – they use less water and help control run-off.
Use pesticides and fertilizers properly; or even better, use non-toxic ones!
Don’t forget to pick up after your pet!

This information is provided by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Learn more: www.ptmsc.org.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: http://www.psparchives.com/our_work/stormwater.htm;

http://www.cityofbremerton.com/content/sw_stormwaterrunoff.html)

Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water

administrator — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:48:49 +0000

For decades we’ve been told to get rid of old prescription medications by flushing them down the toilet. Who would have thought that by doing so we’d turn our drinking water supply into a “pharmaceutical soup?” Although the amounts of drugs found are at very low concentrations and the water supply is considered safe, no one knows what the long-term effects of being exposed to other people’s medications will be for humans or wildlife.

Viewer Tip: Researchers are still trying to determine the safest way to dispose of unneeded medications. For right now, awareness of this emerging issue is important. Some, but not all medications, may be wrapped and put in the trash, but ensure that children and pets don’t have access to them. Check with your physician and pharmacist to ask whether they will accept old medications for disposal and for suggestions on disposing of your particular medications.

View guidelines for proper disposal of prescription drugs.

This information is provided by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Learn more: www.ptmsc.org.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Associated Press investigation (“AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water,” March 9, 2008); NSF Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Guide at http://www.nsf.org/consumer/newsroom/pdf/pharmaceuticals_water.pdf;
“Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Drinking Water,” American Waterworks Association , http://www.drinktap.org/consumerdnn/Default.aspx?tabid=73)

Cell Smarts

administrator — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:51:26 +0000

This week – April 6-12, 2009 – is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Cell Phone Recycling Week. In 2007, only ten percent of unwanted cell phones were recycled in the U.S. When you recycle your phone instead of tossing it in the trash can, you help to keep valuable reusable materials out of the landfill, prevent air and water pollution, save energy and materials needed to make new products, and reduce emissions that impact air quality. As a matter of fact, if Americans recycle the 100 million cell phones that are no longer used, we could save enough energy to power 18,500 homes for one year!

Viewer Tip: Instead of throwing old cell phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs) out or letting them sit in storage, recycle! Precious metals, plastics, and copper from the phones can be recovered, and phones in working order may be donated to charitable organizations who can re-use them.

EPA’s Plug-In to Recycling program has partnered with a number of retailers and service providers – including AT&T, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless – for in-store and online recycling opportunities. Learn more: www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/index.htm.

Season: Spring

(Source: “EPA Challenges Americans by Launching National Cell Phone Recycling Week.” http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/0930aa6400db8bd28525758c005afbcd!OpenDocument)