Pollution Solutions

(Taken from the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition “Protecting Your Salt Lake County Waterways”)

Lawn Care Products

Fact:

Fertilizer accelerates the growth of aquatic plants, which rob waterways of oxygen when they decay. Pesticides and herbicides create adverse effects on fish and water bugs, a vital component of the aquatic food chain.

Pollution Solution:

  • Target your use of fertilizer; sweep up excess
  • Target your use of pesticides / herbicides on the lawn and garden
  • Don’t apply lawn chemicals just before it rains. Follow instructions on the label carefully to prevent over-application

Cleaning Products

Fact:

Cleaning products, including those you might use to wash your car, are toxic to fish, stimulate algae and plant growth and upset the ecosystem by impacting animal life.

Pollution Solution:

  • Wash your car on the lawn and use biodegradable soap or use a commercial car wash.

Yard Waste

Fact:
Yard waste – such as clippings, leaves and flowers – clogs storm drains and, as it decays, robs streams of oxygen. Dirt, dust and sand bury fish food and cloud the water, affecting the ability of fish to feed.

Pollution Solution:

  • Mulch or compost your lawn clippings
  • Sweep dirt onto the lawn. Pick up debris and put it in the trash.

Pet Waste

Fact:
Pet waste releases bacteria, diseases and viruses into streams

Pollution Solution:

  • Pick up pet waste, bag it and discard it or flush it down the toilet.


Paint and Auto Fluids


Fact:
Dyes and paints can interfere with the ability of fish to breathe, plants to grow, and water bugs to reproduce. Antifreeze is poisonous to plants and animals, and seriously depletes oxygen in water. Paint, dirt, dust and dyes can damage fish gills, as well as reduce growth and reproduction of fish and other aquatic organisms. A single quart of motor oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water.

Pollution Solution:

  • Rinse water based paint (e.g. latex) out in the sink
  • Dispose of oil based and water based paint containers and brushes in the garbage after they are empty and/or dry.
  • Take excess fertilizer, pesticides/herbicides, paint and other chemicals to the Household Hazerdous Waste Facility (Salt Lake Valley Solid Waste Facility 6030 W 1400 S Monday-Saturday 7am-6pm 801-974-6922
  • Keep automobiles and gas powered lawn mowers or blowers well tuned, so they are not dripping toxic fluids or emitting toxic fumes.