Water Pollution Plan Essay Example for Free

Water Pollution Plan Essay The Ocmulgee River runs from Lake Jackson and winds its way through thirty-three counties in Georgia before emptying into the Altamaha River. The river winds over 6, 180 square miles. Many towns can be found along the path of this river. Hawkinsville, Georgia is one of these towns. It is a city in the Pulaski County. A favorite past-time for many in Hawkinsville is the numerous fishing trips that are taken on this river every spring or summer. People from all over the south come to the Ocmulgee River to canoe down through its winding paths and beautiful forests. With the increased activity comes an increase in the amount of trash and pollution that is dumped into the river. Water Pollution in Ocmulgee River Nowadays, Ocmulgee River is already polluted. Trash is thrown into the river from boats, docks and people who are walking along the banks. People take the beauty of the river and its surrounding nature for granite. Oil and gasoline from increased boating activity leaks into the river and further contaminates the water. With new park, recreation and subdivision areas being built near the riverbanks, there is an increase in the concern over the pollution that is being dumped into the river. At one time, Hawkinsville had a textile facility located directly on the riverbank. This became a dumping site for trash and other debris that the factory no longer needed and chose not to cart off. Ways to Reduce the Water Pollution in Ocmulgee River There are several ways in order to reduce the water pollution in Ocmulgee River. According to an article published by the State Water Resources Control Board-California Environmental Protection Agency, there are some ways that can be followed in order to prevent water pollution while having outdoor community events, recreation outdoors and other recreational activities like boating (Rukeyser, 2006). First is to plan ahead and be prepared always. Bring the necessary things needed for the activity as well as emergency must-have like maps. When planning for an outdoor activity, meticulously take into account some practical means on how to reuse some items you are planning to buy. Make sure that the materials you will buy can be use after your first outdoor activity. Next is to camp on sturdy places. Also, try position up camps in more or less 200 feet away from the border of the lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies of water to prevent adding water pollution. As much as possible, have small campfires and put them off afterwards as well as spread out the cooled ash in the place. In addition, use proper sanitary facilities. If the likes are not available, bury body wastes in ‘cat holes or burrow six to eight inches deep at 200 feet away from the body of water. This is to ensure that the wastes will not contribute to water pollution especially when rain runoff occurs. Then, properly dispose all garbage. Also, clean up objects around you so that you will leave the place clean. Moreover, always dispose garbage in wastebaskets. In some parks, wastebaskets are provided so make sure to throw your litter. If not, take your recyclables and other garbage home and not just irresponsibly dispose it in the area. Furthermore, do not collect items such as natural, historical and cultural objects you saw in the place. Leave them as it is. Do not disturb the wildlife you see in the place especially during crucial periods such as winter, nesting or rearing young. As much as possible, do not bring your pets along with you so as to minimize the disturbance of the wildlife in the area. Likewise, respect and be understanding to other visitors. Stay away from activities that make loud noise. If possible, keep distance with other campers. Lastly, always follow the ‘Leave no Trace’ principles when having recreations outdoors. On the other hand, in order to lessen the pollution caused by the oil and gasoline from boating activities, use human powered recreational boats like canoes, rafts, kayaks, paddles and other non-motor powered equipments like skates and bicycles. In this case, it is not only water pollution that is reduced but air pollution as well. If there are factories that are situated near a body of water, they should provide facilities for the appropriate disposal of some hazardous wastes. These also should be labeled for proper identification. Other Approach in Reducing the Water Pollution in Ocmulgee River There are also volunteer programs whose main aim is to keep the waters of Georgia clean. For instance, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Watershed Protection Branch has an annual program wherein the community volunteers and the 4-H office team up with them to host the annual Rivers Alive Ocmulgee clean up for the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County area. There is a pleasing outcome of the activity since everybody is involved, even the school children participates in cleaning the banks’ trash and other debris that has been dumped in or near the river. In return, the volunteers are treated to breakfast by the local 4-H office and are given a Rivers Alive shirt after the clean up to show their participation in the said annual function. Reference: Rukeyser, W. L. (2006, February 14). TIPS ON REDUCING STORM WATER POLLUTION Retrieved February 24, 2007, from http://www. swrcb. ca. gov/erasethewaste/reduce. html#community