EMD: Help keep JBM-HH storm water clean this fall

Photo By Rachel Larue | A drain on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is blocked by leaves and debris. Unlike wastewater from bathrooms and sinks, the storm water sewer does not go through a treatment plant. Instead, JBM-HH’s separate storm water network feeds directly into streams that connect to the Chesapeake Bay. (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PAO photo by Rachel Larue)  

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, UNITED STATES

11.13.2014

Story by Guv Callahan 

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

As the temperature and leaves start to fall, Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall’s Environmental Management Division is encouraging the base’s residents, employees and visitors to be more environmentally conscious and help prevent storm water pollution on the installation.

On all three portions of JBM-HH, a network of pipes and inlets, or the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), collect storm water when it rains, said JBM-HH EMD’s Tiffany Lee. Fort Myer and Henderson Hall have one network, regulated by Virginia. Fort McNair’s storm water system is regulated by the District of Columbia.

Unlike wastewater from bathrooms and sinks, the storm water sewer does not go through a treatment plant. Instead, JBM-HH’s separate storm water network feeds directly into streams that connect to the Chesapeake Bay.

For this reason, Lee said the JBM-HH community has to be mindful of potential pollutants during rainy seasons.

Storm water can carry pollutants as soon as it hits the ground and starts to flow toward a drainage source. Cigarette butts, trash, automobile oil, sediment and fallen leaves can all damage the water supply of streams and other bodies that JBM-HH’s MS4 feeds.

According to documents from EMD, fallen, decomposing leaves are a major source of phosphorus, a common pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay and one of the main pollutants entering storm drains in the fall. If not properly cleared, fallen leaves can also back up sewer systems and cause flooding. Residents and employees should be mindful of clogged drains and dispose of their leaves properly, Lee said.

Lee said there were many other simple ways the JBM-HH community could help prevent storm water pollution.

To avoid polluting JBM-HH’s storm water, residents, employees and visitors should:
• Never discard trash or cigarette butts on the ground.
• Maintain their vehicles regularly.
• Never top-off a vehicle’s gas tank when refueling.
• Use commercial car washes that recycle wash water.
• Immediately clean up spilled materials, such as oil and detergents.

Lee said the JBM-HH community should report conditions causing or that could cause pollution to EMD at 703-696-8055.

Any hazardous spills of oil or other pollutants should be reported by calling 9-1-1.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2014
• Date Posted: 11.13.2014 13:11
• Story ID: 147737
• Location: JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US