A CITIZENS GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING AND REPORTING POLLUTION PROBLEMS It is very important for you, as a citizen of the Town of Calabash, to report problems when observed so that the appropriate government agency can take immediate action. Public reporting of pollution problems allows us to more efficiently keep our community clean and environmentally safe. Be on the lookout for these common pollution problems: 1. Unprotected areas of bare soil on a construction site or on any other site. Construction sites must have erosion control structures such as siltation fences and vegetated filters. In addition, no construction site should be left without vegetation for longer than 30 working days after work on the site has been completed. Under no circumstances should bare soil be left within 50 feet of a wetland or waterway. 2. Illegal dumping and illegal dump sites. Look for debris dumped in creeks and along roadsides by companies and individuals trying to avoid landfill fees. 3. Discharges to creeks, wetland, or the ocean. Look for channels running directly from a home or business to a wetland or a natural waterway. In addition, look for pipes that discharge directly to a natural waterway. 4. Oil and other chemical spills. Oil appears as a shiny slick on the surface of natural waters. Other chemical spills may be identified when water has an unusual color or odor. 5. Sewer and septic system leaks from pipes and manholes. Usually, the best way to identify sewer and septic problems is the odor! If you sense a problem, try to identify the source. 6. Degraded water. Some things to look for include bright green algal growth, unusual odors, and dead aquatic life. To report pollution problems: 1. If you see a pollution violation such as illegal dumping in progress, write down important information such as license plate numbers and company names. If possible, you should take photographs as evidence. This information will be used to hold polluters accountable. 2. Report pollution violations and water pollution problems to the Code Enforcement Official at (910)579-0500. At your request, the Code Enforcement Official will maintain your confidentiality. 3. If the violation is of a very serious nature, you may report problems directly to the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources in Wilmington at (910)395-3900. Once you describe the nature of the problem, you will be directed to the appropriate person or agency. A CITIZENS GUIDE TO IMPROVING WATER QUALITY AT CALABASH Clean water and a healthy environment start with you and your neighbors. This list offers many easy and inexpensive ideas that will benefit water quality at Calabash. By practicing these suggestions, you will be doing your part for a cleaner and healthier environment. Lawn and Garden Care: Well-maintained lawns and gardens can be a real benefit to water quality and the local community. They add beauty, control erosion, filter runoff from adjacent hard surfaces, reduce dust, and help moderate summer heat. However, lawns and gardens are often the reason for excessive water use and unnecessary applications of fertilizer. To help: · Reduce soil erosion by planting appropriate plant cover on bare patches of ground. · Do not apply pesticides or fertilizer if heavy rain is expected. · Use only fertilizers that are really needed, based on soil tests and specific needs of your plants. The Agricultural Extension Center will test soils for free, and some nurseries may also offer this service. · Keep fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks where it will be washed into storm drains. · Remember that it is illegal to dump yard waste into creeks, ponds, wetlands, and the ocean. Yard waste may be either composted or landfilled. · When removing mildew from your house or roof, use the most dilute solution of cleaner that will do the job. If possible, use biodegradable products. · Contact your County Extension Agent at (910)253-4425 for information on plant and integrated pest management (reducing the application of chemicals by using natural controls). Household Chemicals: Most households contain numerous chemicals that can be dangerous if released into the environment, such as: spot remover, furniture polish, deodorizers, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, disinfectants, ammonia, paint and other finishes, thinners and solvents, batteries, and swimming pool chemicals. These chemicals can become pollutants if residues are poured down home drains or onto the land surface. To help: · Select the least toxic products that will do the job, and use only when necessary. · Use only recommended amounts and do not mix chemicals. · Do not apply chemicals near creeks, wetlands, or the ocean. · Stuff used cans of paint with newspapers and allow to dry before putting the cans into the trash. · Never pour household chemicals down the drain or onto the ground. Motor Vehicles: The oil from a single automobile can produce an eight-acre oil slick, and a single quart of motor oil can contaminate as much as two million gallons of drinking water. Used oil, antifreeze, and other motor vehicle fluids are often dumped on land or into roadside ditches. To help: · Maintain motor vehicles and repair leaks promptly. · Dispose of used motor oil in oil recycling centers. Advance Auto Parts in Shallotte will take used oil and car batteries. · Arrange with local service stations or recycling centers to take your used antifreeze. Sommersets Radiator and Body Shop in Shallotte will take used antifreeze. · Avoid gas tank overflows during refueling. · Take your car to a commercial car wash where the cleaning water is discharged to a treatment plant. If you do wash your car at home, use a non-toxic and biodegradable detergent. Septic Tanks: Septic systems depend upon bacterial action and soils to absorb the outflow of household wastewater. If the drain field is damaged or the soil becomes saturated, nearby surface waters may become contaminated with sewage products. · Do not overload the system by allowing an inappropriately large number of people to share a single dwelling. · Avoid putting household chemicals down the drain that could destroy bacteria. · Consider giving up garbage disposals that add unnecessary solids and grease to the system. · Do not flush or pour down the drain: grease, coffee grounds, cigarettes, facial tissues and paper towels, sanitary products, and disposable diapers. · Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the system. · Maintain adequate vegetative cover over the drain field. · Follow the guideline below to determine how frequently to have your septic tank pumped. Estimating Septic Tank Inspection and Pumping Frequency in Years Tank Size Number of People Using the System (gallons) 1 2 4 6 8___ 900 11 5 2 1 <1 1,000 12 6 3 2 1 1,250 16 8 3 2 1 1,500 19 9 4 3 2 ________________________________________ Source: Adapted from Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequency by Karen Mand, l984, Journal of Environmental Engineering. Volume 110. Hard Surfaces: Hard surfaces such as paved roads, driveways, rooftops, and parking lots cause rapid runoff of rain water. As water flows from hard surfaces, it captures pollutants before it is discharged into our waterways. On the other hand, natural, vegetated areas improve water quality by soaking up and cleansing rain. To help: · On your property, try to limit the area of impervious surfaces such as concrete, brick, highly compacted gravel, crushed shell, coquina, and covered decks. Boats: Recreational boaters use a variety of cleaners, finishes, and antifouling compounds, and are often responsible for discharging garbage, sewage, and petroleum products into our waterways. Boats that create excessive wakes contribute to shoreline erosion and increase sediment loads to adjacent waterways. To help: · Avoid producing wakes within 500 feet of shore. · Scrub boats with brush and water instead of routinely using soap or detergent. If cleaners are needed to remove stains, use phosphate-free detergents. · Do not discharge boat sewage or trash into waterways. · Use a drop cloth when scraping boat hulls to catch toxic chips of paint or antifouling. Animal Waste: Animal wastes are high in nutrients and bacteria which can contribute to excessive plant growth in waterways as well as closure of shell fishing beds and swimming areas. To help: · Clean up after pets and dispose of waste in the trash or toilet. |
