Just as we prepare our homes for the rainy season, we should prepare SLAC as well. Cleaning up trash and debris that can be washed away by rainwater prevents pollution of our environment. You can help by simply cleaning up your immediate work area.

As winter approaches, we prepare our homes before it starts raining. We cover our patio furniture and barbeques, remove leaves from the gutters and pick up junk in the yard. Completing these chores not only improves the appearance of our homes, it also reduces runoff pollution.

This work area could use some tidying up. (Photo by Mike Hug)

Similarly, preparing SLAC for the rainy season will prevent damage to the fragile wilderness around the site. Rainwater can carry pollution such as cigarette butts, packing peanuts, debris and oil into storm water catch basins located throughout the site. Catch basins are openings in the ground within paved areas or in curbs next to the road. Because rainwater is not treated, trash and debris goes directly into San Francisquito Creek, then into San Francisco Bay.

You can help protect the environment by preventing pollution from flowing into SLAC catch basins. Cleaning up outdoor areas is the single most important contribution you can make to reduce runoff pollution. Look around your work area and ask, "What will happen here when it rains?" You will likely find potential pollution that can be avoided by taking simple clean-up actions now.