How Can You Prevent Stormwater Pollution?

As Earth Day approaches, you may ask yourself what you can do to help. Since Patrick Air Force Base makes its home on the banks of the Banana River, those of us who live and work here can easily help prevent potential pollutants from reaching the river.

Stormwater runoff is rainwater that does not seep into the ground after a rainfall.  Surfaces like rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.  As the water runs off the paved surfaces, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, gasoline, debris, yard waste, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which flow into our stormwater system.  The stormwater and pollutants are then discharged, untreated, into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and drinking water. To prevent this from happening at Patrick AFB, here are a few guidelines to follow:

· Keep dumpster lids closed and areas surrounding dumpsters free of trash and debris

· Keeping adequate spill cleanup supplies on hand in the event of a spill and knowing how to properly use the supplies

· Never use water to clean up a spill

· Keep grass clippings out of the street and/or compost yard debris

· Dispose of paint and other household waste products properly

· Wash vehicles/equipment in a commercial wash or designated wash area connected to sanitary sewer

· Place your litter and garbage into the appropriate containers and recycle whenever possible

· Store stockpiled materials inside a building, under a roof or covered with a tarp to prevent contact with rain

· Maintain equipment/vehicles and check for and fix leaks

· Use drip pans to collect leaks or spills during maintenance activities

• Pick up pet wastes

If you suspect, a pollutant has reached a body of water, call the 24/7 Spill Hotline ASAP     321-298-7022

Signs of an Illicit Discharge:

· Foul odors

· Discoloration of water/drain/pond/swale

· Dead vegetation along swales/ponds/outfalls

· Trash/debris in storm system/outfall

· Noticeable sheen

 Earth Day is Wednesday April 22, 2020. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming Earth Day events