DAVE GAROFALO -- Mayor’s Column

Did you know that dumping one quart of motor oil down a storm drain

contaminates 250,000 gallons of water?

In recent years, there has been growing concern about how untreated storm

water and urban runoff impacts our oceans, harbors and beaches. In fact,

high bacteria levels caused at least 4,153 individual closings and

advisories in 1997 at U.S. beaches, according to the National Resources

Defense Council’s eighth annual watchdog report on beach water safety.

All of us can make a significant difference in continuing to make our

waters safe for people, coastal seabirds and marine wildlife. Beaches and

the ocean play a unique and essential role in our nation’s environment,

economy and way of life.

Orange County has joined cities throughout our area to launch an effort

known as SWURP (Storm Water and Urban Runoff Pollution) to help preserve

the Pacific Ocean, as well as our bays, rivers, wetlands and harbors.

Our primary goal is to eliminate pollutants that reach the sea. Indeed,

anything we use in our home, car and business -- including motor oil,

paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners -- can wind up in the street.

Once in the street, a little water from rain or a garden hose pushes

untreated waters containing toxic materials into storm drains and

ultimately to the ocean.

Pollutants from the storm drain can harm marine life, as well as coastal

and wetland habitats. And contaminated waters may carry microorganisms

that can cause a wide range of diseases in people -- notably children,

the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Here are some things you can do to help stop storm water and urban runoff

pollution:

* Dispose of pet waste, lawn clippings and other organic matter in the

trash.

* Conserve water and keep it out of the gutter. Use a broom, not water,

to sweep driveways and sidewalks whenever possible.

* In order to avoid automotive leaks and spills, make sure your car is

maintained regularly.

I hope you join me in a fight we can win, the effort to maintain a high

quality of life for all of you who live in Southern California. Come by

City Hall and pick up a free copy of a brochure titled “The Ocean begins

at your front door!” Together, we can all make a difference.

* DAVE GAROFALO is mayor of Huntington Beach.