This Weekend’s Heavy Rains to Cause Toxic Soup in Russian River
CONTACT: Kate Wilson, , (707) 433-1958
Russian Riverkeeper
11/30/2012
(HEALDSBURG) Friday, November 30, 2012 – As a series of powerful storms marches into the Russian River region, Russian Riverkeeper reminds Sonoma County residents and businesses that polluted runoff is the greatest threat to water quality in the Russian River. Every time it rains, a toxic soup of pollutants makes its way from our rooftops and roads to the river.
“Today’s biggest pollution problem is no longer caused by one major polluter,” said Russian Riverkeeper Executive Director Don McEnhill. “Our biggest threat to water quality is urban runoff, and every single resident can play a role in reducing it.”
Russian Riverkeeper reminds residents that they can take steps today to reduce the runoff impact such as using fewer pesticides and fertilizers, picking up litter and yard waste, using reusable items and cleaning up after their pets.
Known as the single biggest threat to water quality in California, urban runoff creates many negative impacts for the Russian River and the coastal waters. As the rainwater washes over man-made surfaces in densely populated areas, it will pick up the materials collected on the surface such as oil, grease, pesticides, metals, bacteria, viruses and toxic chemicals that have cumulated after many dry months. As this runoff washes into the waters with heavy rains, the river experiences dangerously high levels of pollution. In addition to carrying pollutants, the rain also transports litter scattered across the county into our waterways.
To learn more about Russian River water quality and other river issues, visit Russian Riverkeeper’s website at www.russianriverkeeper.org.
Russian Riverkeeper has been successfully protecting the Russian River since 1993. Russian Riverkeeper actively pursues conservation and protection of the Russian River through public education, citizen action, scientific research and expert advocacy. Its mission is to inspire the community to protect the Russian River forever.
Communications Consultant Lola Dvorak supports CCKA’s strategic communications by helping waterkeepers tell their stories.
