June is storm water awareness month: Tips to protect our waterways

  • Published
  • By Karen Clavin
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Colonel Sandy Finan, 341st Space Wing commander, signed a proclamation that June is Storm Water Awareness Month at Malmstrom in support of the Air Force's efforts to protect the Nation's natural water ways. 

This month, the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron's Environmental Flight will conduct several storm water education programs, including storm drain inlet marking programs. 

You can help protect Montana's waters by implementing the suggestions in this article and always considering the environment before conducting any activity.
Here are some facts to consider. 

Problem: Fertilizers smother bottom-dwelling animals because they contain high amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen. These chemicals cause "algae blooms" that deplete the oxygen in the water and lead to fish kills. 

Solution: Dry sweep, do not wash, any fertilizer off driveways or walkways. Avoid overuse. Use natural fertilizers such as manure or compost. Do not pour any left-over fertilizer anywhere near a storm drain, ditch or gutter. 

Problem: Pesticides contain toxic material that is harmful to humans, animals and plants. When it rains, these toxins can be washed into the storm drains and then into the Missouri River. 

Solution: Follow label instructions very carefully, minimize their use, use natural alternatives when possible (e.g. weed by hand), make the yard attractive to birds and insects that naturally rid the pests and plant vegetation that is native to the area. 

Problem: Sediment. Dirt, sand and other sediments can wash off construction sites, vehicles and poorly maintained yards and driveways. These sediments can cause the water to become cloudy thus restricting light penetration to aquatic life. 

Solution: Watch for soil erosion around the home. Control soil erosion on property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas. Anyone observing sediment runoff or erosion anywhere on the installation should call 731-6369 with the details. 

Problem: Automotive fluids such as motor oil and antifreeze can be harmful to humans, pets, birds, aquatic life and vegetation. Antifreeze can deplete the water's oxygen supply. This literally can cause fish and other aquatic life to drown. 

Solution: Put used oil or antifreeze in separate sturdy containers and dispose of it at building 410 (731-6163). NEVER pour or wash down with a water hose used automobile fluids on the ground or into a storm drain. Vehicles should be kept properly maintained so fluids do not leak onto the ground. Do not use soap and water to wash off spots on the driveway; use absorbing materials such as cat litter then place the material in a trash bag or container and dispose of it in a proper trash receptacle. 

Problem: Household Hazardous Waste. Paint, paint thinners, drain and oven cleaners, and other household products contain toxic materials that can threaten public health and the environment. 

Solution: All unused usable household materials can be turned in to the Self-Help Store (731-7701). NEVER pour any HHW down the storm drain, gutter or in a ditch. When cleaning paintbrushes with mineral spirits, save any leftover solvent for another project. When the solvent is spent, call 731-6163 for disposal. 

Problem: Pet waste is raw sewage. It releases both bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials into the water ways. It can pose a health problem for humans and deplete the oxygen needed in the waterways. 

Solution: When walking your pet, be sure to clean up after it. Be considerate of your neighbors and community. Dispose of pet waste by flushing it, burying it or use a composter especially designed for pet manure. 

Problem: Yard waste. Leaves and grass clippings allow bacteria, oxygen-consuming materials and nutrients to be released into the waterways. Yard wastes can also clog storm drains, causing local flooding. 

Solution: Do not allow soil, leaves or grass clippings to accumulate on driveways, sidewalks or in the street. Use a broom or rake to clean up the lawn and garden clippings. Do not use an air blower or water hose that can force the debris to eventually wash into the storm drain. Instead of throwing yard clippings away, compost them. 

Problem: Street litter such as cigarette filters, plastic bags, bottles, cans or candy wrappers often ends up in rivers, lakes, streams or oceans. A great deal of street litter is made up of plastic, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, marine animals can mistake it for food or can become entangled in it. As a result, the animals may be injured or even die. 

Solution: Put all litter into the appropriate receptacles. Never throw litter onto the streets, sidewalks, down storm drains or any place other than the appropriate receptacle. Recycle as much as possible. Minimize the use of disposable products. If you see litter in the street - pick it up. Don't wash it down the storm drain or gutter to the Missouri River. 

Protection of the Missouri River is good for everyone - people, animals, fish and the mission. Anyone with questions or who would like to volunteer for the storm drain inlet marking program, please contact the Environmental Flight of the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron at 731-6369 or 731-6408.