When people think of hydrocarbon water pollution, usually the first sources that come to mind are industrial drainages and refinery oil leaks. Environmentalists call these sources the point sources.
However, point sources are not the only contributors to hydrocarbon water pollution.
Those drips at gas stations, spills at construction sites and those run-offs at homes, streets and parking lots – they also significantly contribute to the problem. These nonpoint sources (as they are collectively referred to) contaminate lakes, rivers, groundwater and drinking water supplies with hydrocarbons, endangering the lives of humans, plants and wildlife alike.
What types of hydrocarbons enter the aquatic ecosystem through this nonpoint source pollution?
There is a long list of them. Following are the most predominant ones:
- Natural gas and fuels
- Paraffin
- Plastics
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Asphalt
These hydrocarbons kill aquatic organisms and cause all sorts of health issues for the local population living in the affected areas. Especially, children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to hydrocarbon contaminated water, can develop fatal health conditions on prolonged exposure.
What can be done to reduce nonpoint source pollution?
Reducing nonpoint source pollution starts with stormwater management practices. After all, it’s the storm water that is largely responsible for washing off toxic hydrocarbons from gas stations, construction sites and homes and streets, ultimately discharging them into local water bodies.
Below are few of the best stormwater management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution:
- Install grate covers on stormwater drains to prevent runoffs from contaminating your drain system.
- Use coir rock bags to cover your catch basins and inlets.
- Place rain barrels underneath downspouts at your property to capture runoffs.
- Be wary of the spills at your gas station and construction site and take prompt measures to safely discharge them.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eighty percent of hydrocarbon pollution to the aquatic environment comes from the land. It’s therefore our responsibility to make sure we don’t let those accidental drips and spills and toxic runoffs contaminate the environment.
Want to play your part?
Check out our expansive range of coir products designed to reduce erosion, sedimentation and polluted runoffs at properties, fields and construction sites.
Unsure which product will be best suited for your needs? Contact our product experts online or by phone at 1 800 760 3215 for tailored guidance.