By Mike Hug
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Do not discard metal shavings where they can wash
into storm drains. Always properly dispose of such materials.
(Photo by Mike Hug) |
Whether you are located two blocks or 20 miles from the
water, what you allow to flow into storm drains has a direct impact on the
health of the San Francisco Bay. Metal shavings and other trash generated
at SLAC can enter storm drains and have a negative impact on the
environment. You can take simple steps to stop the runoff pollution that
comes from metal trash.
What are Storm Drains?
Storm drains carry rainwater and surface runoff to the
Bay. Along the way the water picks up oil, grease, metal shavings and
other pollutants from buildings, road surfaces, vehicles and equipment.
These pollutants drain directly into local creeks and the Bay without any
filtering or treatment. Indoor drains (such as sinks, toilets and floor
drains) are not a threat to the Bay because the water is filtered and
treated before being discharged.
The Metal-Rain Connection
A potential source of runoff pollution is metal, such as
metal shavings, electrical wire, nails, bolts and screws. Activities that
create small metal pieces include sawing, grinding, welding and cutting
metal material. Left on the ground, metal trash not only looks messy; when
combined with rain, it can flow into storm drains. Those metal pieces can
eventually make their way unfiltered into Bay Area creeks and waterways.
Metal’s Impact on the Environment
Even small pieces of metal can have an impact, especially
in a sensitive ecosystem like San Francisquito Creek. Heavy metals such as
copper, lead, zinc, chromium and cadmium can flake, corrode, dissolve or
leach away and are common in urban runoff. These metals can be dangerous
to human and animal health. Lead is one of the most hazardous metals and
is used at SLAC as radiation shielding. Lead shielding can deteriorate and
flake over time. It is important to clean work areas, minimizing the
release of lead into the environment.
How You Can Help
• Keep work sites clean and orderly.
• Conduct housekeeping at the end of each day.
• Sweep all outdoor storage areas frequently and then
properly dispose of swept piles.
• Pick up pieces of metal such as wire and shavings and
throw them into the trash.
• Call Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR; Ext.
4042) for assistance if you know of a persistent problem.
• Learn more about stormwater management best practices at
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/epr/Stormwater/stormwaterBMP.html
For more information contact: Mike Hug, Environmental
Protection and Restoration Department, Ext. 4042, hug@slac.stanford.edu
