Preventing Runoff Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Environment

Runoff water pollution is a serious issue that affects the quality and quantity of our water supply. It occurs when rainwater and snowmelt wash off impermeable surfaces in urban environments, such as driveways, patios, and walkways, and carry pollutants directly into nearby bodies of water. This can lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies, the closure of local businesses, and harm or even death to fish and other wildlife. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent and reduce runoff water pollution. This includes individual actions such as proper waste disposal, reducing the use of chemicals, and maintaining vehicles to prevent fluid leaks. Additionally, implementing permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and green infrastructure can help manage stormwater and reduce its negative impact on the environment.

How to Prevent Runoff Water Pollution

Properly dispose of hazardous waste

To prevent runoff water pollution, it is crucial to properly dispose of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can include corrosive, toxic, ignitable, and reactive substances that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not handled and discarded correctly. Improper disposal can lead to groundwater contamination, harm to aquatic life, and other adverse ecological impacts. Here are some detailed steps to ensure the proper disposal of hazardous waste:

Identify the Waste and Complete a Waste Profile: The first step is to identify the type of hazardous waste you are dealing with. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes hazardous waste into four main types: corrosive, toxic, ignitable, and reactive. Corrosive wastes can eat away at materials or living tissue, like battery acid. Toxic wastes can cause illness or death, with pesticides, cleaning products, and paints being common examples. Ignitable wastes can burn easily, such as gasoline and kerosene. Reactive wastes can react with air or water to cause explosions or rapid heating, such as certain acids. It is important to understand the specific type of waste you are dealing with to determine the appropriate disposal methods.

Determine the Amount and Generator Status: The next step is to assess the quantity of hazardous waste you need to dispose of. This step is crucial because it determines your generator status, which is linked to the amount of waste produced. If you are classified as a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) or a Small Quantity Generator (SQG), you will need to obtain a federal Environmental Identification Number and report your hazardous waste activities to the EPA. Some states may have additional reporting requirements, so be sure to check the regulations in your specific state.

Proper Packaging and Labeling: Before transporting or discarding hazardous waste, it must be placed in compatible and compliant containers and properly labeled. Choose containers that are suitable for the type of waste to prevent any reactions or leaks. For example, use plastic or plastic-lined drums for corrosives instead of steel drums. Ensure that the containers are marked with the appropriate labels, including the United Nations Performance Oriented Packaging Marking, the hazardous waste marking, and the DOT hazardous materials diamonds. All hazardous waste must be listed on a Hazardous Waste Manifest for transportation.

Discarding and Treatment Options: Once the waste is properly packaged and labeled, you need to determine the appropriate method for discarding it. Some wastes, like used oil, can be recycled or used for energy recovery. Certain acids and caustics can be treated and stabilized. Other wastes may be accepted at EPA-permitted landfills, but it is important to check with your local landfill or solid waste management contractor to see if they accept hazardous waste and what their specific requirements are. Some landfills may want paints to be solidified and containers wrapped, while others may have different instructions. Additionally, some hazardous wastes can be flushed down the drain in very small quantities, followed by plenty of water, but always check with your local wastewater treatment plant first to ensure they can neutralize the toxins effectively.

Explore Alternative Options: If you are unsure about the disposal process or your community does not have a safe system to handle hazardous waste, consider alternative options. Some communities hold Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events or have HHW facilities where you can take your waste for proper disposal. These events or facilities are equipped to handle and discard hazardous wastes safely.

Reduce stormwater runoff with landscaping

Stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution, contaminating streams, lakes, rivers, and bays. As stormwater passes over developed land, it picks up pollutants and transports them to the nearest storm drain. This can cause flooding and harm or kill fish and other wildlife.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are shallow, vegetated channels designed to capture stormwater. They are also known as bioretention cells and are a beautiful, eco-friendly solution to flooding from runoff. Rain gardens are depressions that allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing stormwater pollution from entering nearby storm drains. They can be designed to capture water with rain barrels or cisterns, using porous materials for sidewalks and driveways.

Swales

Swales are another effective drainage solution, capturing and conveying stormwater. They are shallow, vegetated channels that can be positioned along natural contours to direct water flow. Swales work well on gentle slopes and with other drainage features, such as directing water into a rain garden. They are relatively easy to install but may require regular maintenance.

Pervious Paving

Pervious paving, including porous concrete and permeable pavers, allows water to pass through and seep into the soil below. This type of paving can be used in driveways and walkways, reducing runoff and improving drainage. Permeable pavers are an elegant and durable solution, especially in high-traffic areas, but they tend to be more expensive.

Ground Covers

Native plants and ground covers can lessen runoff and erosion. Their roots absorb water and keep the soil in place, while their foliage slows down water flow, allowing more time for absorption. When selecting plants, consider native species that are familiar with the local habitat and require minimal upkeep.

Tree Canopies

Trees can also help manage stormwater runoff. Leaf canopies act as a buffer, reducing erosion, and providing a landing space for raindrops to evaporate. They also beautify landscapes and absorb excess carbon dioxide.

By combining these strategies and working with a professional to design an effective drainage system, you can help reduce stormwater runoff, protect water quality, and support local ecosystems.

Avoid littering and clean up after pets

Preventing runoff water pollution is essential for maintaining the health of our ecosystems and communities. One critical aspect of this is avoiding littering and properly cleaning up after pets.

Littering is a significant contributor to water pollution, as trash and other waste can carry toxins and bacteria into storm drains and water sources. For example, cigarette butts discarded on the ground can add toxins to groundwater and rivers, and plastic waste can release toxic substances into the water as it decomposes. These toxins can have far-reaching impacts, affecting both human and animal health. Additionally, litter can be mistaken for food by fish and invertebrates, leading to their ingestion and causing harm.

To avoid littering, it is essential to properly secure and dispose of waste. This includes ensuring that items in garbage carts and vehicles are securely fastened to prevent unintentional littering due to wind or other factors. Proper disposal also means recycling or reusing items whenever possible and using sealed containers for hazardous materials, such as chemical products and specific household wastes.

Cleaning up after pets is another crucial aspect of preventing runoff water pollution. Pet waste, such as dog poop, contains high levels of nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of algae and weeds in water bodies. This excess algae and weed growth can lead to the depletion of oxygen levels, preventing the growth of seagrass and ultimately killing fish and other aquatic life. To properly clean up after pets, use biodegradable bags to pick up waste and dispose of the bags in trash cans or flush the waste down the toilet (without the bag).

By taking responsibility for our waste and that of our pets, we can significantly reduce the impact of littering on our water systems. This includes actively participating in community clean-up efforts and adopting areas in need of regular maintenance, such as highways or local parks. Through these collective efforts, we can help protect our ecosystems, maintain water quality, and ensure the well-being of both wildlife and human communities.

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on the lawn

Washing your car on the lawn can help prevent runoff water pollution as the water will soak into the ground rather than flow into storm drains. This is especially important as, in most areas, stormwater runoff enters nearby natural waterways without being cleaned of pollutants first.

Stormwater runoff can cause serious damage to streams, lakes, and estuaries, and has been shown to harm or kill fish and other wildlife. As stormwater passes over developed land, it picks up pollutants and transports them to the nearest storm drain, which is often connected to natural waterways.

Washing your car on a pervious surface, such as a lawn, gravel area, or sand, can help to prevent this type of pollution. The water will soak into the ground and will not end up in a storm drain. If you choose to wash your car on your lawn, it is important to be mindful of how much soap and water you are using to avoid increased runoff.

If you don't want to wash your car yourself, you can take it to a commercial car wash or use a mobile detail service. These facilities are able to collect and clean the water used to wash your car, preventing pollution from reaching water sources. Some companies even use eco-friendly products and practices to further reduce their environmental impact.

Use permeable surfaces to absorb water

Permeable surfaces are a great way to prevent water runoff pollution. Unlike traditional pavement, permeable surfaces allow water to infiltrate through the material and into the ground. This is called infiltration, and it is an important process as it reduces the amount of water that becomes runoff. With less water runoff, there are fewer chances for chemicals and other pollutants to be carried into nearby waterways.

There are many types of permeable surfaces that can be used, such as porous asphalt, plastic grids, porous turf, or permeable clay pavers. These materials can be used to create permeable pavement, which is a porous urban surface that catches precipitation and surface runoff, storing it in a reservoir while slowly allowing it to infiltrate into the soil below. This process helps to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of urban runoff.

Another benefit of permeable surfaces is their ability to reduce flooding and erosion issues. By allowing water to infiltrate through the surface, permeable pavers decrease the amount of water that becomes runoff. This helps to reduce the risk of flooding, which can cause damage to homes, businesses, and natural habitats.

In addition to reducing runoff and flooding, permeable surfaces can also help to filter out pollutants. As water infiltrates through the permeable surface, it passes through the soil, which acts as a natural filter. This helps to remove pollutants from the water before it reaches waterways, improving water quality and reducing the impact on biodiversity and public health.

Permeable surfaces can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas. For example, green roofs are a type of permeable surface that is becoming increasingly popular. Green roofs are specially engineered rooftops that support plant life and capture rainwater before it runs off. This not only helps to reduce runoff but also provides a number of other benefits, such as improved insulation and a decrease in ambient air temperatures.

Frequently asked questions