Save the Environment with Smart Runoff Practices
By As the winter doldrums begin to recede, spring marks a new beginning and a transition to better weather and new growth. But unfortunately, spring isn’t all about flowers and sunshine.
As residual snow melts, powerful and often damaging runoff begins. Rising water can sometimes result in floor damage, water buildup in poorly drained areas can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Even if you live in an area that doesn’t see much snow, increased precipitation can cause similar unwanted effects if not handled properly.
Although tools such as spill containment berm dikes can divert liquids to more favorable paths and help prevent runoff damage to facilities, storm water can also pose a risk to the environment. Known as “urban runoff,” water that comes into contact with pollutants from urban and suburban areas can pick up hazardous chemicals and become contaminated. If this water makes its way back to streams, lakes, or other bodies of water, it can harm wildlife, vegetation, and even foul drinking water.
Reduce environmental impact
Taking action to decrease your facility’s environmental impact is incredibly important, and doesn’t have to be hard. There are several precautions you can take to prevent runoff water pollution and damage to your facility.
- A lightweight drain cover seal can be quickly placed over floor drains not only for spills, but to prevent potentially hazardous runoff from reaching the drain. For the best result, the seal should be at least six inches larger than the drain it’s affixed to.
- Alternatively, a floor drain plug blocks smaller, circular drains before a spill can occur. Used as a proactive spill prevention method, these plugs are easy to remove when water needs to be drained.
- In extreme instances in which storm water must pass through a drain, prevent sediment and other pollutants from entering water systems by using a storm drain filter insert. This simple drain guard effectively traps oil, grease, litter, and other contaminants as water passes through.
Other Methods
If oil does manage to spill into a storm drain or basin, you can reduce its negative effects with a passive oil skimmer. Float this absorbent polymer matrix on the surface of polluted water, and remove up to two gallons of oil at a time.
As we begin to see increased runoff, ensure your business is doing its part to create a healthy environment.
AbsorbentsOnline is here to help. Feel free to contact us by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633.
