BOROUGH OF MACUNGIE

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AFFECTS STORMWATER RUNOFF 

Those stains on your driveway and street from leaking antifreeze or oil pans can become a problem for the creeks located within the Borough.  Runoff from a storm can wash over those pools of liquid and carry it into nearby inlets along roads.  Once in the inlets, the fluids are carried by our stormwater system to pipes that empty into the Swabia Creek and Mountain Creek.  Eventually, these streams reach the Little Lehigh Creek, which affects the entire watershed. 

Once in the streams and rivers, these pollutants damage the vegetation and other organisms that fish and wildlife eat.  These pollutants can accumulate in the tissue of all types of wildlife, impairing the animals we hunt and fish.

Drip pans, carpet scraps and mats can help trap these leaking fluids instead of reaching your driveway or the street.  Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle can help identify these problems.  If you change your own oil, collect the oil property and take it to a collection point that will recycle the oil.  Never dump used oil, gasoline or other vehicle fluids down the storm inlet or on the ground.  Eventually, it will reach the streams and rivers that others use for recreation.

If possible, wash your car on your lawn so that the soapy water does not run down your driveway and into the storm sewer inlets.  Even biodegradable soaps can raise the pollutant levels in streams and rivers, especially nutrient levels. 

These tips for your vehicle will help everyone enjoy a higher degree of quality on our streams and rivers.

OTHER ARTICLES: 

 LAWN and GARDEN Effects

Helpful Tips for PAINT Disposal

Other HOUSEHOLD Pollutants

10 Commandments for a Healthy Yard

(pdf file)

When It Rains, It Drains

(pdf file)

                          Construction Site Runoff

(pdf file)

                          Household Habits

for Clean Water

(pdf file)

Pet Waste Poster

(pdf file)