Clean stormwater runoff helps keep waterways clean

  • Published
  • By Nancy Ross
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Clean Water Act was passed more than 30 years ago in 1972. One of the goals of the CWA was to clean up waterways so that they were safe for swimming and fishing. Everyone on base can help Eglin maintain its compliance with the CWA by preventing stormwater runoff pollution. 

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain accumulates and flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. This is an issue because as the stormwater flows into the storm drains it can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. This unfiltered stormwater then flows into lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands or coast water. We use these waters form swimming, fishing and sometimes providing drinking water. 

The Environmental Protection Agency's most recent National Water Quality Inventory reports that runoff from urban areas is the leading sources of water quality impairments to surveyed estuaries and the third-largest sources of impairments to surveyed lakes. 

"Eglin historically has done a good job of preventing stormwater pollution," Russell Brown, Eglin water quality program manager, said. "We have had many initiatives and activities to get the word out, such as on Earth Day in April when displays were presented at the base schools and when volunteers placed stormwater decals throughout the Eglin community. Eglin is also subject to a wide variety of stormwater permits that if followed diligently, helps us prevent stormwater pollution." 

Here are some tips to help keep stormwater runoff clean: 

1. Never dump anything down a storm drain. The storm drains run directly into a body of water, such as the Choctawhatchee Bay. By dumping anything into the drains such as oil or paint, it will significantly pollute the water source. 

2. Keep your car tuned up. By keeping your car running smoothly, you can eliminate the danger of having oil leaks and spills. If a fluid spill does occur, clean it up with rags or an absorbent material such as kitty litter or sand. After the material has absorbed the spill, sweep up the material and properly dispose of it. Do not attempt to scrub and wash up the spilled fluid into the street. Remember the dirty water would still flow into a nearby water source. 

3. Pick up after your pet. Not only is the pet waste harmful to your family, but it can also pollute stormwater runoff with harmful bacteria. Animal waste contains several types of pollutants that contribute to water quality problems: nutrients, pathogens and a naturally toxic material, ammonia. The best ways to dispose of the waste are to flush it down the toilet or place it into the trash. 

4. Recycle used oil. Instead of allowing the oil to potentially leak into our waterways, recycle the oil. Place the used oil into a solid plastic jug or metal container with a lid. Then transport the oil to the Eglin Auto Skills Development Center or another auto shop in the area. The recycled oil can't be more than 2 gallons. You can contact the Eglin Auto Skills Development Center at 882-2484. The most environmentally friendly option is to get your oil replaced at the Eglin Auto Skills Development Center on base. 

5. Do not wash your car in the driveway. Take your car to a commercial car wash or wash your car in the grass. Commercial car washes have means in which to properly handling of the polluted water. If you do chose to wash your car at home wash it in your yard. The water you use will not hurt your grass but instead it will act as a fertilizer and enhances your lawn while also helping keep our waterways clean. 

6. Avoid pesticides. If you do chose to use pesticides follow the directions indicated on the container. Also make your neighbors aware that you are going to use the pesticides. If you can share pesticides so that you will not have excess pesticides around your house. 

7. Compost your waste. Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms into humus-like product. To set up a compost pile choose a flat area around 3 feet square, near a water supply and away from direct sunlight. Clear the area of grass and sod. Layer the materials you use starting with the course material at the bottom, to allow for air to circulate. Then add leaves, grass, weeds etc. Remember to keep the pile moist and rotate every few weeks to allow for the best results. The compost can be used in a variety of gardening projects. And it can also be used to enrich the soil around plants or shrubs. 

8. Don't overwater your yard. The best time to water your yard is when the weather is the coolest, early morning or early evening. Grass typically needs an inch of water to help it stay healthy and continue to grow. Also if the grass is saturated with water, it will not be able to prevent pollutants and other water from flooding the stormwater areas. If you live in military family housing follow the established guidelines to water your lawn. 

9. Sweep your driveway. Do not use a hose to clear off your driveway of leaves or pollutants. This will cause the unfiltered debris to flow into local waterways. 

10. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a drain that is clogged or looks to be polluted please call the stormwater hot line. The stormwater hot line number is 240-1628. 

"We need everyone's help to maintain healthy environment on Eglin," Mr. Brown said. "By following these simple tips, everyone can do their part to maintain Eglin's and the Emerald Coast's beautiful environment." 

For more tips and information, go to the Eglin secure website: https://em.eglin.af.mil?emc?emce?emcew/stormwater.asp or try this source of information from the EPA http://www.epa.gove/owow/nps/dosdont.html. 

You can also learn more environmental protection tips from viewing the Eglin Environmental Management System training video, which is shown daily at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Commander's Access channel on base.