straw bale barriers

Installing and Using Straw Bale Barriers

Straw bales staked into the ground may be used for intercepting and detaining small amounts of sediment from disturbed areas of a limited size and to decrease the velocity of sheet flows and low-level channel flows. Straw bales may be used as a BMP for v-shaped ditches.

• Requires specific standards for effective use (i.e. barriers are defined by slope gradient and areas being drained).
• Not for use in streams or swales where there is a possibility of a washout.

Maintenance Requirements:

• Inspect barriers regularly and immediately after each rainfall. Check for undercutting beneath bales as well as damaged bales. Replace damaged bales and repair barrier.
• Remove sediment deposits after each runoff producing rainfall. Do not allow sediment to deposit to greater than one-half the height of the barrier.
  

Available at:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/index.html

• Straw Bale Barrier – BMP C230, Volume II, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Car Part Potential Pollutants

• Air Conditioning System  - CFC’s
• ABS (anti-lock brakes) - Mercury
• Auto Bodies -  Iron, grease, dirt, paint
• Brake and Clutch Linings  - Wear
  And tear releases Asbestos, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, zinc, tire rubber
• Convenience Lighting (hood and trunk switches) -Mercury
• Engines - Chromium, copper, nickel, oil, antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
• Exhaust - PCB’s, phosphorus, zinc
• Tires - rubber, sediment
  

Check out the ways you can help to reduce the affects of automobiles and other motorized vehicles on water quality in watershed streams and Lake Whatcom.

If you're interested in more in-depth training on stewardship topics, WSU Extension - Whatcom County offers the WSU Watershed Master/Beach Watchers program. In return for 100 hours of science-based instruction and training about water and stewardship issues, volunteers donate 100 hours of their time to the community.