Simple Ways to Protect Water Quality at Vandenberg AFB

  • Published
  • By Kim Turner
  • Tetra Tech Engineering and Environmental Services
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Did you know that rainfall, or storm water, has the potential to impact Vandenberg Air Force Base's water quality? Storm water is rainwater that runs off streets, lawns, farms, construction sites and industrial sites. Under natural conditions storm water is absorbed into the ground where it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or slowly flows through forests and meadows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, however, impervious surfaces such as pavement and building roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Storm sewer systems concentrate runoff increasing its speed. When this water enters a natural drainage, it can result in downstream flooding and erosion of creek or stream banks. In addition, the bacteria and other pollutants not filtered from storm water can contaminate watersheds.

Everyone who lives and works at Vandenberg AFB is encouraged to take the following pollution prevention measures to ensure cleaner water and a healthier environment.

Vehicle Maintenance
  • Maintain vehicles to prevent leaks at the Auto Hobby Shop or an automotive repair shop. .
  • Clean up spills with absorbents like cat litter, then dispose of them properly. Don't use the hose to wash spills into storm drains!
  • Wash your car at a commercial car wash where wash water is treated and recycled. If you must wash it at home, use soap and detailing products with care. If possible, wash the car in your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.

Small Construction Projects and Landscaping
  • Use only the amount of chemicals you need. Check out "green" chemicals at local retailers and consider alternative methods.
  • Use only the water you need. Check sprinklers to ensure you don't waste water--and money--by watering the sidewalk.
  • Cover any stockpiles of dirt or mulch before it rains or gets windy.
Driveways and Sidewalks
  • Sweep off driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing them down. Dispose of the waste in trash bins.
Pet Waste

  • Clean up after your pets and dispose of pet waste in a trash bin.
Illegal Dumping

  • Dumping waste into the storm drain is illegal! To confidentially report any illegal/ unacceptable actions, contact the Vandenberg Storm Water Hotline at (805) 606-7541 or (805) 605-0503.
  • Properly dispose of excess hazardous materials such as paints, paint thinners, pesticides, oil and fuel additives, starter fluids, and solvents at an appropriate hazardous waste collection center. For base work areas, this is the Consolidated CAP (Bldg 3300 on New Mexico). For base residents it is the Self Help Facility located at 603 Juniper St., (805) 734-1672. For more information about the Vandenberg AFB Storm Water Program, please contact 30 CES/CEANQ at (805) 605-0503.

 

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