Contamination
Drive-thrus, gas stations, parking lots and driveways catch the most oil and grease. Roads are next. They also collect heavy metals from engines and catalytic converters, and harmful components from rubber tires. When it rains, they become large polluters.
Most rain events produce one inch or less of rain. Too many impervious surfaces short-circuit nature’s design, preventing the earth from getting the water it needs, by diverting it into storm sewers, streams and other bodies of water. We needlessly waste a precious commodity. That first inch of rain becomes loaded with pollutants from roads, parking lots and driveways. It is often more toxic than sanitary sewer water.
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The previous concrete above, right; with its porous surface traps oil and grease as well as metal particles. |
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