June 2011 challenge: Craptastic

Prevent waste from pets, people, and even ducks from contaminating our rivers. Poo-lution is a source of E. coli bacteria and high nutrient levels—common problems in Oregon rivers. It can result in algae blooms and water that is unsafe to swim in or drink. And it’s plain icky. 

Pledge to do your part

1. Pick up after your pet

If you think picking up dog poop is unpleasant, try swimming in it.

According to a DNA study [335KB, PDF], dog waste alone accounts for almost 15% of fecal bacteria in some local streams.

The average dog's output per day is ¾ of a pound of waste. Over the course of a year this equals 273.5 lbs of waste per dog. With 74.8 Million dogs in the U.S., an astounding 10.2 Million tons of waste is created a year.

RESOURCES

• Baggies: Make a habit of bringing a baggie or two every time you take Fido for a walk. It doesn't matter if it's biodegradable or not, since it won't decompose in the oxygen-free environment of a landfill. Try to use bags you get with the newspaper, a loaf of bread, etc. rather than buying new ones. When you're at home, simply scoop it.
  
• To flush or not to flush? While some sources recommend flushing pet waste, Oregon's wastewater treatment providers ask that you not flush baggies down the toilet. They can clog up residential and municipal systems. So, toss it in the garbage.
• Check out Clean Water Services' Canines for Clean Water program.
• Need professional help? One business in the Portland-Salem area actually composts the pet waste they pick up. Pooper scooper businesses are all over the state.
• What about cats? Cat waste creates the same environmental problems when left outside as dog waste. Flushing is not recommended for cat waste, even with biodegradable kitty litter, because cat waste often contains the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is not destroyed by sewage treatment, and it can infect wildlife like sea otters and dolphins.

2. Don’t feed the ducks

The same DNA study found that birds are another significant source of E. coli. Feeding ducks and geese makes them dependent on humans, so they stick around instead of migrating. Feeding areas become stripped of grass, and feces accumulates to unnatural levels, causing water quality problems.

According to the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, human foods like bread are also unhealthy for ducks and geese. If you enjoy wild ducks and geese, please keep them healthy and wild and keep our rivers clean—do not feed them.

Resources:

• Check out this student video contest about the negative impacts of feeding the ducks.
• Learn more about angel wing, which renders ducks and geese flightless as a result of eating high-carb foods like bread.

3. Maintain your septic tank

Over 30% of Oregonians dispose of wastewater from their homes and businesses through septic systems. Septic systems need to be pumped out every three to eight years. If not, sewage can overflow to the surface or contaminate groundwater. Learn more.

Resources:

• A septic tank pumper licensed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can pump and clean your tank. For more information, call DEQ toll free in Oregon 1-800-452-4011.

leash and scoop image by zoomar

duck feeding image by  j_lozinski

septic tank image by WindRanch