Earth Gauge » Vehicle Care

Protect Water Quality on the Road

espinoza — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:25:03 +0000

What does driving have to do with water pollution? Fuels burned while driving create nitrogen oxides that are released through a car’s tailpipe into the air. Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the air we breathe and essential to plant and animal life – but too much of it can contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere in the form of nitrogen oxides falls back onto land, where it washes into nearby streams, lakes and rivers.

Viewer Tip: Simple changes in your driving habits can help reduce nitrogen pollution from vehicles where you live – and save gas money.

Live nearby? Walk or bike to work and to run errands when the weather is nice.
When you can, take advantage of public transportation and carpools to get to work or school.
When driving, plan ahead – map out your errands and chain trips together to reduce the amount of time you spend on the road.

(Source: EPA, “Nutrient Pollution”, http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/; U.S. Department of Transportation, http://www.italladdsup.gov/)

Car Wash

espinoza — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:53:18 +0000

As the weather warms up, washing your car on the street or in your driveway may seem harmless, but do you ever wonder where all the dirt, grime and soap go after washing down your driveway and into the storm drain? Most storm drains discharge water directly into a local lake, stream or river untreated. This means that soap and other pollutants can impact our drinking, fishing and swimming waters.

Viewer Tip: You can give your car that desired sparkle and decrease your environmental impact. Try some of these tips to keep soapy water out of the storm drain:

It may draw some confused looks, but drive your car on to your lawn if you can. The water will be filtered by the grass and soil before reaching a water body.
Use nontoxic, phosphate-free soaps.
Try to reduce water runoff by using attaching a spray nozzle to the hose to restrict water flow.
Don’t feel like washing your car at home? Head to a commercial car wash; commercial car washes are required to properly dispose of wastewater and many filter and recycle their water.

(Source: U.S. EPA, “Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution”, http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/index.cfm)

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)

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/)

Don’t Get Hosed

espinoza — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:54:30 +0000

Did you know that an average garden hose flows at at a rate of 10 to 16 gallons per minute? A broken sprinkler head wastes approximately 300 gallons of water per hour!

Viewer Tip: With less than one percent of freshwater available for human use, water conservation is extremely important. Help reduce your outdoor water consumption with these tips:

Don’t let the hose run while washing your car. Use a bucket with soap and water or take your car to a professional car wash that recycles water.
Use shut-off nozzles on outdoor hoses that can be adjusted to a fine spray so water flows only as needed.
Always turn water off at the spigot instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
Check regularly for broken or leaking sprinklers and hose nozzles. Repair or replace them promptly to avoid wasting water.

Season: Summer

(Sources: City of Melbourne, www.melbourneflorida.org; Southwest Florida Water Management District, www.swfwmd.state.fl.us)

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)

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.

Travel Season

espinoza — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:10:37 +0000

AAA projects that 87.7 million Americans will be traveling more than 50 miles during the year-end holiday period. About 88 percent of those travelers will be hitting the road and AAA expects to come to the aid of nearly 1.3 million stranded motorists this season. That help will come in the form of half-a-million tows; 50,000 replaced batteries; 170,000 changed tires; 170,000 retrievals of keys locked inside of cars and various other holiday spirit sappers.

Viewer Tip: If you are driving to your holiday destination, remember that a small amount of preparation can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Fill up fluids. Check antifreeze, windshield washer and other fluid levels.
Stay clean. Windshield wipers should be able to clear the glass in a single swipe. Replace worn wipers.
Check your power. Make sure your vehicle’s battery has a secure fit; clean away corrosion on the battery and cable connections. You may want to have older batteries tested by a technician before embarking on a long journey.
Perfect tire pressure. Tire pressure should be at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level (you can find this information in your owner’s manual).
Lighten up. Make sure headlights, brakes and turn signals are functioning properly.

Wintry weather can strike unexpectedly at this time of year. Brush up on winter weather driving tips and remember that a well-stocked emergency kit can save the day if an accident occurs.

Season: Winter

(Sources: “AAA Projects Year-End Holidays Will See a 3.8 Percent Increase in Travlers” and “AAA Anticipates Rescuing Nearly 1.3 Million Stranded Motorists During Year-End Holidays Period.” http://www.aaanewsroom.net/)

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)

Aquatic Extinction

administrator — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:19:50 +0000

The U.S. EPA estimates that species extinctions will occur at a rate of one to eleven percent per decade between 1975 and 2015, with aquatic species facing a higher threat of extinction than bird or mammal species. Many of the pollutants that end up in our rivers and streams - oil and other car fluids, household chemicals, pesticides, mercury, and others - can be toxic to aquatic animals, preventing them from reproducing and developing properly, or even causing death. Some of the most-affected animals are those that live at or near the bottom of an aquatic habitat where pollutants tend to settle, such as fish eggs and filter feeders (mussels and clams).

Viewer Tip: Rain water can wash pollutants from driveways and streets, into the storm drain, and directly to local rivers and streams – untreated! One of the easiest ways to help protect water quality is to keep your car, boat, or motorcycle properly maintained. Check regularly for fluid leaks, and fix them promptly to prevent outdoor spills. If a spill does occur, clean it up with an absorbent material, such as kitty litter or sand – never wash spilled fluids into the storm drain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: US EPA. Threats to Aquatic Biodiversity. http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/threats.html and Aquatic Biodiversity: Pollution. http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/pollution.html; )

Motor Oil Madness (Little Rock, AR)

administrator — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:06:56 +0000

About five percent of Americans who change their own oil do not dispose of their used motor oil properly. When used oil is dumped outside or into a storm drain, it can be carried directly to local surface waters during the next rain. The US EPA estimates that used oil dumped from just one oil change can contaminate one year’s supply of drinking water for 50 people – approximately one million gallons. If five percent of Little Rock do-it-yourselfers recycle their oil instead of dumping it, we could avoid contaminating a year’s supply of drinking water for more than 61,000 people!

Viewer Tip: When changing the oil in your car, make sure to dispose of it properly. Instead of dumping motor oil in outside or in the trash, collect it in a clean container with a lid (such as a tin can), and recycle. Many service stations accept oil for recycling, and you can find an oil collection facility in your area by visiting www.cleanup.org/ or calling 1-800-CLEANUP.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: US EPA. “You Dump It, You Drink It.” http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/usedoil/campgn/en-dumpbr.pdf; US Bureau of Transportation Statistics; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Watershed Tips, April 11, 2006; U.S. Census Bureau)

Motor Oil Madness (Oregon)

administrator — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:29:02 +0000

About five percent of Americans who change their own oil do not dispose of their used motor oil properly. When used oil is dumped outside or into a storm drain, it can be carried directly to local surface waters during the next rain. The US EPA estimates that used oil dumped from just one oil change can contaminate drinking water for 50 people – approximately one million gallons! If five percent of Oregon do-it-yourselfers recycled their oil, we could avoid contaminating drinking water for more than 1.2 million people!

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Wash Your Car with Care

administrator — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:19:56 +0000

A major pollution source in the St. Johns River watershed is rain water runoff from urban areas. Rain water carries oil, trash, pet waste and other pollutants into storm drains in urban areas, which eventually lead to local rivers and streams. Because the St. Johns River flows slowly, it is difficult for the river system to flush out these pollutants, putting water quality at risk.

Viewer Tip: Do you wash your own car? Make sure that soap, oil, and other car chemicals don’t end up in the storm drain by washing your car on a grassy area, where water and pollutants can soak into the ground instead of running onto your driveway or the street. Or, consider using a commercial carwash, where water is recycled.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: St. Johns Water Management District, www.sjwmd.com; US EPA Watershed Tips)

Tune Up Your Commute (Jacksonville, FL)

administrator — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:00:54 +0000

Did you know that one gallon of oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water? When it rains, any automotive fluids – oil, antifreeze, and others – that have dripped onto driveways and streets can wash into the nearest storm drain, stream, or river. Just one pint of oil can produce a slick up to an acre in size, and just a few drops can degrade water quality and harm wildlife and aquatic plants.

Viewer Tip: Preventing water pollution is a simple as giving your car a tuneup. Keeping your car in tip-top condition ensures that oil and other car fluids aren’t dripping onto the street, where they will be carried into storm drains and local surface waters during the next rain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, “Driving: Environmental Issues, Responsibilities, and Laws You Need to Know.” www.coj.net)

River Runoff (Providence, RI)

administrator — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:10:55 +0000

The Woonasquatucket River flows about 19 miles south and east to downtown Providence, where it joins up with the Moshassuck River to form the Providence River. While 19 miles may not seem very long, the Woonasquatucket Watershed actually drains about 50 square miles of land! During rainy weather, motor oil and other chemicals in the Woonasqautucket Watershed eventually end up in the River when they are picked up by rain water that drains off the land or soaks into groundwater storage areas.

Viewer Tip: You can help prevent polluted rain water runoff by giving your car a tune-up. Keeping your car in tip-top condition ensures that oil and other car fluids aren’t dripping onto the street, where they will be carried into storm drains and local surface waters during the next rain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, www.woonasquatucket.org; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Watershed Tips, April 11, 2005.)