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NTTA Works to Prevent Storm Water Pollution
Being a good neighbor is important to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). And when it comes to storm water pollution, the NTTA is working hard to prevent it. You can help too.
Storm water is precipitation in the form of rainfall, snow or ice melt that drains from streets, highways and tollroads through local storm drain systems and then into lakes, rivers and streams.
As precipitation travels over land toward and through storm drain systems, it can become polluted with various chemicals, substances and debris, including: food wrappers, cigarette butts, yard waste, aluminum cans, styrofoam or paper cups, plastic bottles, motor oil, fuels, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, and construction debris.
Storm water pollution can be prevented. The NTTA is doing its part by:
- conducting roadway maintenance including sweeping
- litter pick-up
- landscape maintenance
- utilizing SmartScaping techniques, such as planting native plants that don’t need a lot of water
- maintaining complete turf coverage of all open areas to reduce erosion
- using limited amounts of herbicides and pesticides
- coordinating immediate accidental spill response and clean-up activities
The NTTA is also working to prevent storm water pollution by performing routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment and using a vehicle wash area that drains directly to an oil/water separator.
In the near future, the NTTA will use integrated pest management techniques, an even more environmentally-friendly way to control pests and weeds through the use of insect growth regulators and natural predators, insects that eat other insects.
You can help prevent storm water pollution by: performing routine vehicle maintenance activities to reduce the chances of leaking fluids; reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers; incorporating SmartScaping into landscaping plans for your home and business; washing vehicles at home on grassy or unpaved areas using only water and a biodegradable soap; and learning more about other environmentally friendly alternatives.
The NTTA has teamed up with other agencies in north Texas to share information about ways storm water pollution can be reduced. To learn more, click here: http://www.nctcog.org/envir/SEEclean/stormwater/pubs/brochures.asp
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