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San José's
Creeks and Rivers
How Do Cars Contribute to Bay Pollution?
- Particles of exhaust drift onto roadways and into the Bay.
- Leaks and drips wash off of streets and highways into storm
drains and into creeks and the Bay
- Parts of cars that are designed to wear off with use (such
as tires and brake pads) leave toxic residue on the roadway that
becomes storm water pollution
Follow these tips when working on your car:
Leaks and Spills
- Fix all leaks as soon as possible.
- Do not allow vehicles to drip fluids onto street, or into the
gutter or storm drain.
- Use plastic tarps and drip pans when your car is leaking, and
when you are working on it.
- Empty drip pan regularly, and protect it when it rains.
- Use an absorbent such as sawdust or kitty litter for spills.
Sweep it up, place in a plastic garbage bag, and put it in the
garbage. Do not allow absorbent to be washed down into the street,
gutter or storm drain.
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Changing the Oil
- Work in an area that is easy to clean up, with a concrete floor
if possible.
- Always use a drain pan when draining oil. Use a funnel to pour
used oil into City-issued oil jugs.
- Be careful not to mix used motor oil with any other fluids,
such as antifreeze, brake fluid, etc.
- To recycle used motor oil and oil filters at curbside, you must
use free City-issued oil jugs and filter bags because they are
designed to prevent leaks. Place filled oil jugs and bags on the
curb near your recycling cart for collection. To order the free
oil jugs and filter bags, call 535-3500.
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Engine Degreasing
- Engine degreaser is a hazardous material that cannot be discharged
where it may flow to a street, gutter or storm drain.
- Approval must be obtained from the Water Pollution Control Plant
to discharge rinse water from engine degreasing into the sanitary
sewer. Call Source Control at 408-945-3000 for more information.
- Degrease engines only in facilities where wash water is appropriately
treated and discharged to the sanitary sewer.
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Washing Your Car
- Wash cars on an unpaved surface where dirty water won’t
flow to a driveway, street, gutter or storm drain.
- Empty your bucket of soapy water into a sink or toilet
- Minimize soap and water use. Even biodegradable soap is toxic
to wildlife.
- Wash your car at a professional car wash where rinse water is
recycled. Discounts are available at www.mywatershedwatch.org
- Clean brake dust off of wheels with paper towels, and dispose
of towels in the trash.
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