b'PUBLIC WORKSThe Role of Vehicle Maintenance in Effective Stormwater ManagementBY THE MUKILTEO SURFACE WATER UTILITYS tormwater runoff poses4. PROPER WASTE DISPOSALsignificant environmentalVehicle maintenance involves the challenges, impacting waterproper disposal of waste materials quality and contributing togenerated during the process, pollution in our rivers, lakes, andsuch as used oil, oil filters, and Puget Sound. While many mayother automotive fluids. Ensuring not associate vehicle maintenancethat these materials are disposed with stormwater management,of correctly prevents them from the connection between the twoentering storm drains and, is more significant than meets theultimately, water bodies. Many auto eye. This article explores how properrepair shops and recycling centers vehicle maintenance practices canprovide services for the safe disposal play a crucial role in mitigatingof automotive waste, contributing stormwater pollution and fostering2. TIRE MAINTENANCE to overall stormwater pollution a cleaner environment.Proper tire maintenance is another keyprevention. aspect of stormwater management.5. WASHING PRACTICESWorn-out or underinflated tires canWhile not directly related to vehicle shed microplastics and other debrismaintenance, car washing habits can during rainfall. These particles areimpact stormwater quality. Using then carried into storm drains, even- commercial car wash facilities or tually reaching waterways. Regularlywashing vehicles on your lawn helps checking tire tread depth, rotatingprevent contaminants from entering tires, and maintaining proper inflation levels not only enhance vehicle safetystorm drains that flow directly to but also help minimize the introduc- a stream. Additionally, avoiding tion of pollutants into stormwater run- excessive use of soap and detergents off. One of the negative impact that weduring car washing minimizes the have found is that tire dust is the mainintroduction of harmful chemicals 1. OIL AND FLUID LEAKS contributor to the instant mortality ofinto stormwater runoff. One of the primary contributorscoho salmon. CONCLUSIONto stormwater pollution is the3. BRAKE SYSTEM CARE Incorporating proper vehicle leakage of oil and other vehicleBrake wear and tear generate dustmaintenance practices into our daily fluids. Regular vehicle maintenance,particles that can contain heavyroutines is a simple yet effective including checking for andmetals, such as copper and asbestos.way to contribute to stormwater addressing leaks, is essential inDuring rain events, these particles aremanagement. By addressing oil and preventing these substanceswashed off road surfaces and can findfluid leaks, maintaining tires and from entering storm drains. Oil,their way into storm drains. Routinebrakes, and ensuring proper waste transmission fluid, and brake fluidmaintenance of the braking system,disposal, vehicle owners can play can contain harmful chemicals that,including brake pad replacement anda vital role in reducing stormwater when washed away by rain, end upproper disposal of worn-out brake in water bodies, posing a threat tocomponents, reduces the release ofpollution. This proactive approach aquatic ecosystems. By promptlyharmful materials into stormwaternot only protects our water resources fixing leaks, vehicle ownersrunoff. Learn more on thatbut also promotes a cleaner and contribute to reducing the risk ofWashington State is doing to protecthealthier watershed for current and stormwater contamination. water quality impacted by brake dust.future generations. 4 CITY VIEWS SPRING/SUMMER 2024 MUKILTEOWA.GOV'