Many people are unaware of the harm that improper home repair and construction practices can cause to our rivers and streams. Loose sediment from remodeling sites can be picked up by wind and water, clogging storm drains and polluting rivers. These sediments are often contaminated with cleaning solvents, rusting nails, paint, cement wash, asphalt, and vehicle fluids that further add to water pollution.
Check the information and tips below on avoiding erosion problems, working with concrete and plaster, working with paint, and remodeling pointers that will help prevent storm water pollution in your community.
Avoid Erosion Problems
Poor construction practices can result in erosion problems and can increase soil loss. Sediment loss can clog storm drains, creating drainage or flooding problems as well as water quality problems. To avoid these types of erosion problems, you can do the following.
Working with Concrete and Plaster
Concrete, mortar, and plaster materials can be washed away when wet or can be blown into the street, gutters, or storm drains before being mixed. Some concrete materials can poison or otherwise harm aquatic life. Improper care and disposal of concrete materials can also increase the threat of flooding to you and your neighbors. Below are some tips for proper handling of these materials.
Working with Paint
Some paints and solvents contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life. Make sure that you use such products with care. Below is information for disposing of used paint and guidelines you can use for environmentally-safe painting practices.
Unfortunately, there are no local outlets for recycling or disposing of paint. The best way to dispose of latex paint is to allow it to dry, and then it can be safely disposed of with your regular household wastes. The drying process can be sped up by mixing the paint with cat litter, sawdust, or by leaving the paint can lid off. Used paint should never be dumped into the storm drain. Remember – these storm drains do not lead to a treatment plant – they empty directly into our rivers and streams. For oil based paint, see next paragraph.
Household Hazardous Waste Voucher Program
The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District and Environmental Enterprises have partnered to offer a disposal voucher for Clermont residents looking to dispose of hazardous wastes around their homes. If a resident is willing to bring the hazardous materials to Environmental Enterprise’s location at 4650 Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati, the Solid Waste District will issue that resident a voucher for payment. All the resident has to do is call the District at 732-7894 and let them know what hazardous materials they have. The District will mail the voucher, which the resident will take along with the materials to Environmental Enterprises, and the District will pick up the disposal fee.
General Remodeling Pointers
Below are general guidelines that should be followed when possible for any home repair or remodeling project.