For roads to function when it's raining, there are usually drainage grates, catch basins, or other structures called storm drains. The rain drains off the road into a storm drain and then begins its journey to the groundwater - the source of much of our drinking water!
ITEMS TYPICALLY PLACED IN STORM DRAINS
MOTOR OIL
Problem: When poured down the gutter or storm drain, motor oil travels to your local stream, bay or harbor, where it can damage or kill underwater vegetation and aquatic life. One quart of oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water or create an 8-
acre oil slick.
Solution: Put used motor oil in a sturdy container and take it to your local service station or household hazardous waste collection. Remember not to mix your oil with any other substance. Call your town for collection schedules.
ANTIFREEZE
Problem: Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical. It is poisonous to people, as well as to fish, birds, and pets. Animals that live in or drink from contaminated streams or gutters may become ill or even die.
Solution: Save old antifreeze for a household hazardous waste collection day.
PAINT
Problem: Many paint products contain ingredients that may be harmful to people, animals, or the environment when improperly used or thrown out.
Solution: Donate unused paint (but not lead paint!) to community groups, schools, local theaters, or other interested organizations. For small quantities of unwanted latex or water-based paints, stuff the can loosely with newspaper, or remove the top, allow the paint to dry, reseal the carton, and discard in the trash. Save oil-based paints for a household hazardous waste collection day.
YARD WASTE
Problem: When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes travel directly to coastal waters. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly, adding excessive nutrients to the water body. Over time, consequences of excessive nutrients can lead to harmful algal blooms, and result in fish and shellfish kills. Yard wastes also clog storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing localized flooding.
Solution: Instead of throwing your yard clippings away, compost them. Then use the compost to condition your soil. Check gardening books to learn how to compost or call your local Cooperative Extension or Sea Grant Program for further details.
PLASTICS
Problem: Plastic and foam containers are lightweight and wash into storm drains and into coastal waters. They do not decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. Plastics can kill wildlife and marine life in two ways-animals eat these materials or become entangled in them.
Solution: Minimize your use of plastic products and make sure that the plastics you use do not get put into the trash. If you see plastic litter, pick it up so that it does not get washed or blown into storm drains, gutters, or local streams.
The preceding information is a compilation of research from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the State of Maryland, the New York Sea Grant Extension Program, and the Sea Grant Program at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
