1. Preventing Storm Water Pollution: What We Can Do
Question and Answer Game
PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH THE Texas Commission on Environmental Quality AND
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
The preparation of this report was financed through grants from the
U.S Environmental Protection Agency through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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Storm Survivor Rules…..
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4. Video

5. Storm Survivor Question
Why is it important to protect water quality?

6. Storm Survivor Answer We depend on clean water for: Drinking water
Recreation – boating, fishing, swimming
Economic development

7. Storm Survivor Question
How does storm water runoff cause water pollution?

8. Storm Survivor Answer
Storm water runoff picks up pollutants such as oil, grease, dirt, and chemicals and flows directly into streams or lakes. Storm water runoff does not go to a water treatment plant!

9. Storm Survivor Question
What problems can result from pollution in storm water runoff?

10. Storm Survivor Answer Pollution from storm water can cause:
Excess algae growth
Fish kills
More expensive treatment for drinking water

11. Materials Storage and Spill Cleanup

12. Storm Survivor Question
What materials are used that could contaminate storm water?

13. Storm Survivor Answer
Some materials that can cause storm water pollution are:
Fuels, oils, antifreeze, and grease
Fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides
Paint, solvents, detergents
Soil (sediment), concrete wash water

14. Storm Survivor Question
Why is it important to keep materials in original containers or clearly labeled replacement containers?

15. Storm Survivor Answer
It is important to store materials in properly labeled containers to avoid misuse of products that could cause personal injury and pollute storm water.

16. Storm Survivor Question
What is the best location for storage of hazardous materials?

17. Storm Survivor Answer Hazardous materials should be stored: Indoors
Outdoors: within a covered, paved area
Outdoors: uncovered if contained in a sealed container

18. Storm Survivor Question
What are the basic steps for cleaning up a liquid spill?

19. Storm Survivor Answer Liquid spill cleanup procedures:
Contain the spill using a drip pan or absorbent materials
Cover storm drains if necessary
Locate the source of the spill and stop further spillage
Use absorbents rather than hosing down the area
Immediately dispose of absorbents in accordance with procedures

20. Parks and Grounds Maintenance

21. Storm Survivor Question
Why do native and adapted plants require less water, fertilizer and pesticides?

22. Storm Survivor Answer
Native and adapted plants have a natural tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions.

23. Storm Survivor Question
Why is important to prevent irrigation water from running off grass or landscaped areas ?

24. Storm Survivor Answer
It is important to reduce irrigation runoff because:
Fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides may be carried to streams by the runoff
Saves water!

25. Storm Survivor Question
What weather-related factors should be considered when determining whether it’s OK to apply pesticides or herbicides ?

26. Storm Survivor Answer
Don’t apply pesticides or herbicides during windy conditions or when rain is predicted within 24 hours.

27. Fleet Maintenance

28. Storm Survivor Question
Where should vehicle maintenance activities be conducted?

29. Storm Survivor Answer
Conduct all vehicle and equipment maintenance at designated locations, preferably inside the shop or outdoors on a paved, covered surface.

30. Storm Survivor Question
What potential pollutants do you handle in your daily activities ?

31. Storm Survivor Answer
Potential pollutants in fleet maintenance facilities include used anti-freeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, solvents, detergents.
Others??

32. Storm Survivor Question
What is the proper disposal method for fluids?

33. Storm Survivor Answer Proper disposal method for fluids:
Store them in separate containers by type.
Make sure storage containers are properly labeled and sealed.
Never dispose in trash.

34. Streets and Drainage Maintenance

35. Storm Survivor Question
Why is sediment considered a pollutant ?

36. Storm Survivor Answer
Sediment is a pollutant because it interferes with fish spawning and destroys the habitat of aquatic organisms.

37. Storm Survivor Question
Why should oil-based paint and solvents be handled differently than water-based paint?

38. Storm Survivor Answer
Oil based paints contain higher levels of toxic, harmful chemicals than latex paints. Oil based paint and solvents must be disposed as hazardous waste.

39. Storm Survivor Question
What are some signs of pollution to look for when conducting daily activities?

40. Storm Survivor Answer
Look for signs of pollution at the jobsite and during travel:
Oil sheen on water surface
Excess trash and debris
Odor
Colored or cloudy water
Dead or dying fish

41. Land Disturbances

42. Storm Survivor Question
Why is sediment considered a pollutant ?

43. Storm Survivor Answer
Sediment is a pollutant because it interferes with fish spawning and destroys the habitat of aquatic organisms.

44. Storm Survivor Question
What precautions should be used regarding dirt stockpiles?

45. Storm Survivor Answer
Locate dirt stockpiles out of the street and away from runoff or flowing water.
Cover stockpiles or provide a barrier such as an organic filter berm or silt fence around the pile.

46. Storm Survivor Question
Why is erosion prevention more effective than sediment removal?

47. Storm Survivor Answer
Once the soil has eroded and is carried by storm water, it is very difficult to remove the sediment from the runoff. Preventing erosion in the first place is the best approach.

48. Storm Survivor Question
What BMPs can be used for preventing erosion?

49. Storm Survivor Answer Erosion Control BMPs:
Vegetation - grasses or other plants that provide “permanent” erosion protection.
Mulching - a layer of straw or wood mulch.
Erosion control blankets - mesh matting made of straw, wood fiber, or plastic.
Plastic sheeting - may be used for short-term protection of disturbed areas or dirt stockpiles.

50. Solid Waste Operations

51. Storm Survivor Question
What types of materials are considered hazardous waste?

52. Storm Survivor Answer Examples of hazardous wastes include:
used batteries
solvents, fuels
pesticides, herbicides
fireworks, ammunition
pool chemicals
fluorescent bulbs

53. Storm Survivor Question
Why is it important not to pick up hazardous wastes?

54. Storm Survivor Answer
Hazardous wastes must not be collected with regular trash because they cannot be disposed of in a sanitary landfill.

55. Storm Survivor Question
What kinds of equipment and materials can be used to reduce storm water pollution?

56. Storm Survivor Answer
Equipment and materials that can be used to reduce pollution include:
Brooms
Shovels
Covered waste containers
Absorbents
Pop-up pools

57. Storm Survivor Question
What are some good housekeeping practices that can be used to reduce storm water pollution?

58. Storm Survivor Answer Good housekeeping practices include:
Check vehicle frequently for leaking fluids.
Contain spills using absorbents and take steps to stop the leak if possible.
Immediately clean up spills.

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