Land oil spills contribute to pollution of our water supply and soil. Typical sources of land oil spills include accidents as well as oil from vehicles on the road. Oils spills tend to be associated with offshore oil rigs and tankers in marine-related accidents. In contrast, land oil spills often go unnoticed by everyone except environmentalists. We need to be aware of the causes of this type of environmental pollution to reduce land oil spills.
Instructions
Reduce Land Oils Spills
1. Consider your oil consumption. Typical oil uses include engine oils for cars, trucks and lawn equipment. Documenting where you use oil will help you keep track of this potential pollutant for proper disposal.
2. Recognize that land oil spills can occur from vehicles during cleaning, filling and transport to provide gasoline and other oils to supply sites. Give these trucks a wide berth on the road and drive carefully around these large vehicles.
3. Dispose of used motor oils properly. Gas stations and your local recycling center offer oil collection facilities for disposal of used motor oils. Remember that each car uses roughly 5 quarts of motor oil. When dumped illegally, oil seeps into the soil and contaminates ground water supplies.
4. Recognize that an oil spill doesn't change the nature of the oil as it does when oil comes into contact with sea water. Oil can contaminate streams and water supplies when spilled on land but clean up tends to be very quick because the fluid can be easily contained. Oil mixes readily with soil, gravel and can adhere to plants very easily.
5. Clean any spills up immediately. A simple tipped-over can of motor oil on your driveway creates a chain-reaction of pollution. The oil creates a spreading stain that gets washed into the drainage system with the next rain.
6. Act responsibly when caring for your own vehicles. Consult with your mechanic about disposal of used motor oils as well as other automotive fluids.
7. Limit your consumption of oils. Land oil spill frequency declines with the decreased demand of product from consumers. Drive less, keep your car tuned up to prevent oil leaks and perform regular emissions testing on your vehicle to detect any problems.
8. Investigate the companies you purchase oil products from on a regular basis. Each company should readily provide their recycling and environmental policies so you can decide if it meets your individuals needs and concern for the environment.
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