Reducing Runoff Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Environment

Runoff pollution is caused by rainwater and snowmelt that flows over impermeable surfaces, such as roads, driveways, and rooftops, and picks up pollutants like oil, grease, metals, fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria from pet waste. This polluted runoff then flows into nearby water bodies, causing water pollution and environmental damage. To reduce runoff pollution, individuals can make simple changes such as washing their cars on the lawn, maintaining their vehicles to prevent leaks, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and picking up after their pets. Additionally, redirecting downspouts towards vegetated areas, installing permeable pavements, and adopting water-friendly landscaping solutions can help minimize the impact of runoff pollution.

Reduce impervious surfaces; install permeable pavement

Reducing impervious surfaces and installing permeable pavements are effective ways to mitigate stormwater runoff pollution. Impervious surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, prevent water from seeping into the ground, leading to increased runoff, flooding, erosion, and pollution in nearby water bodies. By reducing these surfaces and installing permeable alternatives, we can allow rainwater and snowmelt to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff volume and filtering out pollutants.

Permeable pavements, including pervious asphalt, pervious concrete, interlocking pavers, and plastic grid pavers, are designed to let water pass through to underlying layers of soil and gravel. This reduces the amount of runoff and the pollutants it carries, such as oil, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Permeable surfaces also help recharge groundwater supplies, reducing the strain on local water systems.

When considering replacing impervious surfaces with permeable alternatives, it is important to assess the scope of the project and determine if professional help is required. For example, replacing a driveway or other vehicle load-bearing surfaces may necessitate hiring experts, while patios or garden walkways can often be DIY projects. The cost of permeable surfaces varies depending on the material and project size, ranging from $0.50 to $11.00 per square foot.

In addition to permeable pavements, other strategies to reduce impervious surfaces include redirecting downspouts toward gardens or rain barrels, creating green roofs with vegetation, and implementing rain gardens with native plants to collect and filter runoff. These solutions not only help manage stormwater but also provide aesthetic and ecological benefits to properties and the surrounding environment.

By implementing these measures, we can reduce the negative impacts of impervious surfaces, mitigate flooding and pollution, and promote a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

Maintain your car; recycle used oil, antifreeze, and other fluids

Motor oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids should be properly recycled or removed to reduce runoff pollution. These fluids are highly toxic to both animals and humans and can contaminate water sources if poured down drains, onto the ground, or into septic systems.

To recycle automotive fluids, follow these steps:

• Use a container designed to catch used oil that can be sealed tight. These are available at most auto parts stores.
• Do not mix any other automotive fluids with the used oil. The used oil is cleaned and reused as a base for other lubricants, heating oil, or engine oil.
• For engine coolant or antifreeze, purchase a dedicated catch container, which comes in a different color to prevent confusion.
• Test the coolant with a ball-type or similar tester. If it is still okay, it can be poured back into the radiator filling neck.
• Antifreeze recycling centers are becoming more popular, but they may not be available everywhere. Check local laws to see if engine coolant disposal is legal in the sewer system. Most municipal sewage treatment plants can break down the chemicals in antifreeze safely.
• Along with oil and coolant, all other automotive fluids require either recycling or special disposal. Disposal regulations vary by area and fluid type, so it is important to keep them separate and consult local regulations.
• Contact your local waste management company for drop-off and recycling locations.
• Never dispose of automotive fluids by dumping them onto the ground, into storm drains, or septic systems.

By properly maintaining your car and recycling used oil, antifreeze, and other fluids, you can help reduce runoff pollution and protect the environment.

Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are often used in gardens and farms to improve plant health and growth, but their overuse can lead to runoff pollution. Here are some ways to cut down on their use:

Fertilizers

To reduce the use of fertilizers, focus on building healthy soil. This can be achieved through practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and encouraging a healthy colony of microorganisms in the soil. No-till farming avoids harmful practices like tilling, which releases carbon into the atmosphere and damages the soil structure. Instead, use a compost fork to aerate the soil without causing harm. Cover cropping involves planting certain plants that will cover and protect the soil, improving its health and reducing erosion.

To nurture the soil's microorganisms, add compost to the beds and use a compost tea spray to add beneficial bacteria and fungi to the plant's leaves, stems, and soil surface. Mycorrhizal fungi inoculant is another useful product, as it helps plants absorb more water and nutrients, leading to healthier growth. Additionally, consider using organic soil amendments like alfalfa pellets, leaf mulch, and locally produced compost to improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Pesticides

Pesticides are often overused and can have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly on bird species. To cut down on their use, try planting species that are native to your area. Native plants have evolved defenses against local pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, consider alternative pest control techniques, such as sprinkling corn gluten to suppress weeds or using hot water to kill weeds between pavement cracks.

If chemical pest control is necessary, opt for targeted pesticides and avoid the most hazardous chemicals like neonicotinoids (neonics), glyphosate, and carbaryl. Always check the labels of store-bought pesticides and consider less toxic DIY solutions, such as a mixture of white vinegar, salt, and dish soap.

Herbicides

When dealing with invasive woody plants, consider the cut stump herbicide treatment method. This involves applying an herbicide solution directly to the stump immediately after cutting down the plant. This method is simple, effective for most woody plants, and does not damage surrounding vegetation. Be sure to follow safety precautions and use the correct equipment, such as a chainsaw or brush saw, and a backpack sprayer or handheld pressurized spray bottle for the herbicide application.

Pick up after your pets

Picking up after your pets is an important task and part of being a responsible pet owner. It is not just about common courtesy, but also about protecting the environment and the health of your pets and other people.

Dog waste is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can kill your lawn, and it also causes issues for local watersheds. It can take up to a year for dog waste to break down naturally, and the bacteria in it can linger in the soil for years. This means that if you don't pick up after your dog, you are risking the spread of harmful bacteria and parasites to other people and animals.

Dog waste can contain E. coli, salmonella, and other disease-causing organisms like hookworms, giardia, and campylobacter. It is also a common carrier of several types of worms, parvovirus, coronavirus, giardiasis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, and campylobacteriosis. These bacteria and parasites can be spread to humans and other dogs if waste is not picked up and properly disposed of.

In addition to the health risks, dog waste can also have negative consequences for the environment. When left on the ground, it can be swept into waterways through sewage and plumbing systems, causing runoff pollution. This runoff can carry diseases and contribute to the growth of underground algae. The Environmental Protection Agency labels dog excrement as both a nutrient and a pathogen, highlighting the potential for waste to cause serious problems for the environment.

So, when you take your dog out for a walk, remember to bring waste bags and a poop scoop. Pick up your dog's waste and dispose of it properly in a secure trash bin. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect the environment, the health of your pet, and the well-being of your community.

Adjust gutters and downspouts to direct water onto plant growth areas

Adjusting gutters and downspouts to direct water onto plant growth areas is an effective way to reduce runoff pollution. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve this:

Understanding the Basics

Gutters are the channels that catch rainwater from your roof, while downspouts are the pipes that carry this water down to the ground. Proper placement of downspouts is crucial to ensure efficient water flow and protect your home's foundation from water damage.

General Placement Rules

The standard rule for downspout placement is to locate them at every corner of the house and approximately every 20 to 30 feet along the gutter line. This helps distribute the water load and prevent potential damage to the gutters.

Overcoming Challenges

If your home's design doesn't allow for optimal downspout placement, you may need to be flexible and explore options like rerouting the downspouts or using flexible extensions. Remember, the goal is to effectively direct water away from your home's foundation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When placing downspouts, avoid disregarding the slope of the ground, positioning them too close to the property line, or failing to integrate them into the overall drainage system. These mistakes can hinder proper drainage and increase the potential for water damage.

Optimizing Your Gutter System

Consider using downspout extensions or splash blocks to further optimize your gutter system. Downspout extensions guide water further from your home, while splash blocks prevent soil erosion by dispersing the force of falling water.

Maintenance

Regular gutter maintenance is crucial for optimized water flow. This includes cleaning to remove debris, checking for leaks or damage, and ensuring all parts are securely fastened.

Redirecting Runoff

To reduce pollution, redirect your downspouts toward vegetated spaces, plant growth areas, or rain gardens where rainwater can soak into the ground. This helps filter out pollutants and provides water for plant growth.

Using Downspout Extensions

Experiment with flexible downspout extensions to redirect runoff. These are affordable and can be installed without hardware. Look for a grassy or vegetated spot in your yard and use the extension to divert roof runoff there.

Creating a Rain Garden

If you notice rainwater pooling in a low spot, consider installing a rain garden with deep-rooted native plants. These plants will soak up the water and help break up compacted soil, improving water infiltration.

Combining Landscaping and Downspout Redirection

You can also combine downspout redirection with creative landscaping. For example, direct your downspout to a dry creek bed that carries the runoff to a rain garden, or use a plastic extension to lead runoff away from your house to a grassy area.

Frequently asked questions