Action needed for clean water

Another exciting subject – wastewater! I know, I know, its hard not to jump to the bottom of this column just to see how it ends. But try to hold your exuberance while I tell you why I bring this up today.

You see, we all say we want “clean water.” But in saying that we usually assume the problem lies with large industrial users. You know, “evil corporations.” The truth is somewhat different. Nearly all companies are closely monitored and frequently have pretreatment facilities on site. Government has been really good about establishing strict standards for runoff from business sites and parking lots. Parking lots? Yes, all those things that drip off of and out of our cars can be rain-washed straight into our creeks and lakes. Commercial storm water detention can cause them to settle out.

A continuing, and perhaps larger problem is brought about by individuals. People pour used motor oil into roadside ditches. They dump old varnishes, cleaners and paints into a hole in a field or on a vacant lot. There seems to be a mindset that getting rid of some noxious matter by physically putting it somewhere that we aren’t at is a good thing. Little thought is given to the possibility that these substances will become part of our fresh water supply.

And so we, the county, are about to enact an ordinance to prevent such illegal discharge and dumping into the count’s storm sewer system. Technically it is bill No. 4022 and the details can be found on the county Web site. In short, it will give county employees the ability to investigate and charge violators for polluting the county system.

It would be nice if everyone automatically controlled the urge to dump his or her various chemicals and wastes in the nearest ditch. Unfortunately that is not the case. Apparently it is just too easy to pour them out in the side yard by the road rather than taking them to appropriate treatment facilities. We aim to change that belief.