UTD Journal Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014 | Page 15

indicating it meets the first phase standards of SB 346. Something to be grateful for in the New Year. More facts and tips on water quality and vehicles: • It only takes four quarts, or the amount of 1 oil change, of used motor oil to foul one million gallons of drinking water. • Each year millions of gallons of used motor oil are disposed of improperly: spilled or poured directly onto the ground or down storm drains. Leaked or dripped motor oil has the same fate. • Attend to your leaky car, use drip pans, and always properly dispose of used motor oil. • Don’t throw away used motor oil, it never goes bad, it can always be recycled! For a recycling and certified disposal center near you check http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/oil_tips.cfm • Take your vehicle to a commercial car wash that recycles water to prevent detergents and other contaminants from being washed down the storm drains. • When working on your car prevent fluids from reaching the street or storm drain by working on a flat surface, use tarps and drip pans. Have absorbent pads handy or alternatively use kitty litter to clean up spills if they occur. by Lara Meeker TM