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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 97-16A; Kelly Ranch; Tentative Map (CT)KELLY RANCH BRUSH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EXPLANATION PAPER Planning Systems 5/11/01 LCP Wording in. Suggested Modification e. Brush Management: A fire suppression plan shall be required for all residential development adjacent to designated open space subject to approval by the City of Carlsbad Fire Department. The fire suppression plan shall incorporate a combination of building materials, sufficient structural setbacks from native vegetation and selective thinning designed to assure safety from fire hazard, protection of native habitat, and landscape screening of the residential_structures. No portions of brush management Zone 1 and 2 as defined in the City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual shall occur in designated open space areas. Zone 3 may be permitted within designated open space upon written approval of the Fire Department and only when native fire retardant planting is permitted to replace high and moderate fuel species required to be removed. The City of Carlsbad has adopted a "Fire Protection Program" in their "Landscape Manual. City of Carlsbad Policies and Requirements". This program identifies vegetation and combustable structure guidelines which will reduce wildfire danger to residences which interface adjacent to the naturally vegetated sage and chaparral environment. It requires the prohibition, selective elimination and/or cropping (reducing height) of the vegetation within the 60 foot fire suppression zone area. As such, with a severly limited ability to provide for structural screening trees, this program does not allow for full compliance with another requirement of the LCP Suggested Modification, i.e.: H. Within the Kelly Ranch, landscaping shall be utilized as a visual buffer and be compatible with the surrounding native vegetation and preserved open space by incorporation of the following measures: c. Landscape screening of structures, including specimen trees and fire retardant vegetation of substantial height, shall be required to screen and soften the view of structures from 1-5, Cannon Road, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, public trails and public vista points; d. The landscape treatment shall cause the development to blend in with the natural setting and present a visually cohesive appearance as viewed from Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Cannon Road and Interstate 5. 3. Fire Suppression Guidelines for Kelly Ranch In order to deal with this conflict between wildfire prevention and tree screening, Kelly Land Company has received approval from the Carlsbad Fire Marshal which allows for both objectives to be satisfied. Through the customized "Fire Suppression Guidelines for Kelly Ranch", allowance is created for a minimum 10-foot wide area at the rear of the structure, where screening trees will be allowed, to achieve compliance with the landscape screening requirement above. Specific guideline points are as follows: a. Both the Citywide and the Kelly Ranch Fire Suppression Zones are 60- feet in depth. b. In both cases the Coastal Commission open space hardline is located a minimum of 40 feet from the structure. c. In both cases, only Fire Suppression Section 3 (sometimes called Zone 3) are located within the Coastal Commission open space hardline. In all cases Sections 1 and 2 are located on the development side of the open space hardline. d. No change has been made to the makeup of Section 3. It continues to be 20-feet in width, of selectively thinned (low fuel only) native vegetation. e. The Kelly Ranch Fire Suppression program allows for tree screening of the residences within the first 10 feet from the structure. The Citywide program does not. f. The Kelly Ranch program combines Citywide Sections 1 and 2 (20 + 20 = 40 feet in width) into a smaller 30-foot zone of combined Zones 1 and 2 characteristics. Only fire retardent vegetation is allowed within this Section 1-2, and no vegetation may be above 3 feet tall in Section 1-2. 4. The graphics on the following pages demonstrate a typical cross-section of the standard Citywide program, and the Kelly Ranch program. Appendix F.2-2 Fire Suppression Guidelines for Kelly Ranch PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT KELLY RANCH CORE AREA for SHEA HOMES SAN DIEGO, INC. 10721 Treena Street, Suite 200 San Diego, California 92131-0112 by Department of Paleontological Services San Diego Natural History Museum P.O. Box 121390 San Diego, CA 92112 Thomas A. Demere, Ph.D. Director 9 September 1999 PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT KELLY RANCH CORE AREA CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA INTRODUCTION This report provides a summary of findings concerning the paleontological resource potential of the Kelly Ranch Core area, Carlsbad, California. The project site is located west of College Boulevard, southwest of El Camino Real, northeast of Faraday Avenue, and southeast of the future Cannon Road extension. As defined here, paleontological resources (i.e., fossils) are the remains and/or traces of prehistoric plant and animal life exclusive of man. Fossil remains such as bones, teeth, shells, and leaves are found in the geologic deposits (rock formations) within which they were originally buried. For the purposes of this report paleontological resources can be thought of as including not only the actual fossil remains, but also the collecting localities and the geologic formations containing those localities. It is important to point out that many fossil sites presently on record in San Diego County have been discovered only during residential development activities, during highway and freeway construction projects, or during pipeline and other utility construction projects. This close correlation between fossil sites and construction is related to the fact that surface weathering quickly destroys most fossil materials and it is not until fresh unweathered exposures are created by grading that well-preserved fossils can often be recovered. In addition, because of the amount of grading proposed for some sites, the chances are increased that grading will unearth rich fossil horizons. METHODS Because of the direct relationship between fossils and the geologic formations within which they are entombed, knowing the geology of a particular area and the fossil productivity of particular rock formations, one can reasonably predict where fossils will (or will not) be encountered. Paleontological resource assessment of the project site is based upon a review of existing published and unpublished geological literature (Wilson, 1972; Weber, 1982), a review of museum paleontological records (San Diego Natural History Museum), and a walkover of the project site to field check the results of the literature and record reviews. RESULTS The project site occupies the northwestern portion of Evans Point, on the east side of Aqua Hedionda Lagoon. The highest point on the project (elevation 320 feet) is located on the north-south ridgeline in the southeast corner of Area J. The lowest point (elevation 20 feet) is located in the southwest corner of the project site in Area F. Portions of the project area have been heavily impacted by former agricultural and/or earthwork activity. Bedrock exposures are limited and occur along the access road to the Kelly residence in Area D, remnant graded slopes in Area I, and steep natural slopes in Area J. General Geology- As summarized on the San Luis Key, CA, 7.5' USGS quadrangle geologic maps of Wilson (1972) and Weber (1982) the project site is underlain by middle Eocene-aged (40-48 million years old) sedimentary rocks of the Santiago Formation and early Pleistocene-aged (400,000-700,000 years old) sedimentary rocks of the Lindavista Formation.. Santiago Formation Introduction- The Santiago Formation on the project site consists of well stratified, flat- lying and locally deformed, sandy siltstones, mudstones and medium- to coarse-grained arkosic sandstones. In the sheet-graded portion of Area I, previous mass grading operations encountered very fossiliferous coarse-grained sandstone layers in the Santiago Formation. The Santiago Formation was originally named for a sequence of Eocene strata exposed in the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County. This rock unit has subsequently been mapped to the south into northern San Diego County where it includes sedimentary rocks of Eocene age that are lithologically different from the La Jolla Group of similar age that crops out in central and southern San Diego County. Using the strati graphic nomenclature applied to the Santiago Formation in northern San Diego County by Wilson (1972) the lithology observed on the project site most closely resembles member "C". Member "C" is characterized as a "continental/paralic unit composed predominantly of fine- to coarse-grained, white to gray-white, friable cross-bedded, arkosic sandstone with interbeds of green to green-brown siltstones, silty mudstones and claystones" (Wilson, 1972). The lithology of the sandstones exposed in the road cuts in Area D are very similar to that described by Wilson for member "C" of the Santiago Formation. Paleontology- Previous mass grading in Area I during 1985 resulted in discovery of a very rich fossil locality in the Santiago Formation. This locality (SDNHM locality 3495) produced well-preserved fossils of a variety of extinct terrestrial mammals including primates, rodents, tapirs, brontotheres (rhino-like large mammals), and artiodactyls (even- toed ungulates). These fossils represent a significant paleontological resource. In addition, the Santiago Formation as exposed at numerous construction sites in Carlsbad and Oceanside has yielded significant terrestrial vertebrate fossils including remains of turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, birds, and mammals (Golz, 1976; Golz and Lillegraven, 1977; Walsh, 1991, 1996). Various species of fossil marine invertebrates and vertebrates have also been recovered from the Santiago Formation (Demere and Boettcher, 1985; Wilson, 1972; Bukry, 1991). Distribution- The Santiago Formation underlies the entire project site. Locally, this rock unit is capped by a veneer of alluvium and/or colluvium. The Lindavista Formation overlies the Santiago Formation along the highest north-south ridgeline of Evans Point. Resource Sensitivity- The Santiago Formation is assigned a high paleontological sensitivity based upon the recovery of diverse and well-preserved fossil assemblages of marine invertebrates and terrestrial vertebrates of middle Eocene age. Lindavista Formation Introduction- The Lindavista Formation on the project site consists of resistant, flat- lying, red-brown, coarse-grained sandstones and conglomerates. The reddish color of this rock unit is due to the occurrence of interstitial iron-oxide which in many places serves as a ferruginous cement. This cement is responsible for the resistant nature of the Lindavista Formation and the resulting steep, nearly vertical slopes formed by this rock unit. The Lindavista Formation was originally named for a sequence of Pleistocene strata exposed in metropolitan San Diego. This rock unit has subsequently been mapped into northern San Diego County where it includes both fine and coarse-grained sedimentary rocks. The Lindavista Formation is hypothesized to have formed in nearshore marine, beach, and coastal sand dune depositional environments. Paleontology- No identifiable fossils were recovered from the Lindavista Formation as exposed on the project site and no previous collecting localities from this area are recorded in museum locality records. Sparse fossil remains have been recovered from this rock unit in the Carlsbad area, but these consist of poorly-preserved molds and casts of marine molluscs and echinoderms. In the metropolitan San Diego Area the Lindavista Formation has produced better preserved fossils of marine molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms, as well as sparse skeletal remains of marine vertebrates (sharks, rays, and cetaceans). Distribution- The Lindavista Formation underlies the high north-south ridgeline on Evans Point above about elevation 300 feet. Resource Sensitivity- The Lindavista Formation is assigned a low paleontological sensitivity based upon the limited occurrence of fossil assemblages of marine invertebrates. IMPACT ANALYSIS Direct impacts to paleontological resources occur when earthwork activities, such as mass grading , cut into the geologic deposits (formations) within which fossils are buried. These direct impacts are in the form of physical destruction of fossil remains. Grading plans for the Kelly Ranch Core Area project site indicate that significant cuts will be made during construction to accommodate the various planned for this site. The proposed mass excavation work will encounter the Santiago Formation. Any grading in this rock unit will have a high potential for encountering significant paleontological resources. SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS Fossils are the remains of prehistoric animal and plant life and are considered to be nonrenewable. Direct impacts to high and moderate sensitivity formations are significant and, under CEQA guidelines, require mitigation. MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation of the impacts discussed above can be ensured by implementing the following measures: [1] Prior to initiation of construction activities the project developer shall retain a qualified paleontologist to carry out the mitigation program outlined here. (A qualified paleontologist is defined as an individual with a MS or Ph.D. in paleontology or geology who is experienced in paleontological procedures and techniques.) [2] A qualified paleontologist shall be at the pre-construction meeting to consult with the grading and excavation contractors. [3] A paleontological monitor shall be onsite at all times during the original cutting of previously undisturbed deposits of high sensitivity formations (Santiago Formation) to inspect exposures for contained fossils. Grading in low sensitivity formations (Lindavista Formation) will require only part-time monitoring. (A paleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials. The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist.) [4] When fossils are discovered, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall recover them. In most cases this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period of time. However, some fossil specimens (such as a complete skeleton) may require an extended salvage period. In these instances the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt grading to allow recovery of fossil remains in a timely manner. Because of the potential for the recovering of small fossil remains, such as rodent and primate teeth, it may be necessary to set up a screen- washing operation on the site. [5] Fossil remains collected during the monitoring and salvage portion of the mitigation program shall be cleaned, repaired, sorted, and cataloged. [6] Prepared fossils, along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, and maps, shall be deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution with permanent paleontological collections such as the San Diego Natural History Museum. Donation of the fossils shall be accompanied by financial support for initial specimen storage. [7] A final summary report shall be completed that outlines the results of the mitigation program. This report shall include discussions of the methods used, stratigraphic section(s) exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils. In summary, the project site possesses a high potential for producing significant paleontological resources. Development of the Kelly Ranch Core Area project site will result in impacts to these resources. The measures proposed above will ensure proper mitigation of these impacts. Thomas A. Demere, Ph.D. Department of Paleontological Services REFERENCES Bukry, D., 1991. Transoceanic correlation of Middle Eocene coccolith Subzone Cpl4a at Batiquitos Lagoon, San Diego County. In, P. L. Abbott and J. A. May (eds.), Eocene Geologic History, San Diego Region. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Pacific Section 68: 189-194. Demere, T.A., and R. S. Boettcher, 1985. Paleontology and biostratigraphy of middle Eocene nearshore marine sedimentary rocks, Leucadia, San Diego County, California. In, P. L. Abbott (ed.), On the Manner of Deposition of the Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County. San Diego Association of Geologists, fieldtrip guidebook, 49-53. 1988. Golz, D.J., 1976. Eocene Artiodactyla of southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Bulletin, no. 26: 1-85. Golz. D. J., and J. A. Lillegraven, 1977. Summary of known occurrences of terrestrial vertebrates from Eocene strata of southern California. University of Wyoming, Contributions to Geology, no. 15: 43-65. Walsh, S. L., 1991. Eocene mammal faunas of San Diego County. In., P. L. Abbott and J. A. May (eds.). Eocene Geologic History San Diego Region. Society of Economic Mineralogists and Paleontologists, Pacific Section 68: 131-148. Walsh, S. L., 1996. Middle Eocene mammal faunas of San Diego County, California. In, D. R. Prothero and R. J. Emery (eds.), The Terrestrial Eocene-Oligocene Transition in North America. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge England, pp. 75-119. Weber, F.H., Jr., 1982. Recent slope failures, ancient landslides, and related geology of the north-central coastal area, San Diego County, California. California Division of Mines and Geology, Open-File Report 82-12: 1-77. Wilson, K. L., 1972. Eocene and related geology of a portion of the San Luis Rey and Encinitas quadrangles, San Diego County, California. Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of California, Riverside, 1-135. Kelly Ranch Home Landscape Management Plan for Pesticide/Herbicide Safety and Pollution Prevention Guidelines to Promote Environmental Education To be Provided to Residents of Kelly Ranch June, 2001 Prepared for: KELLY LAND COMPANY 2011 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, CA 92009 Prepared by: PLANNING SYSTEMS 1530 Faraday Avenue Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Introduction Pesticides can be valuable tools in controlling lawn and garden pests. However, to ensure the safety of humans, animals and the environment, they must be used according to the label. Pest infestations often develop in lawns or gardens, damaging lawns and ornamental plantings, reducing the attractiveness of home landscaping. To control an infestation, home gardeners must determine a proper course of action by answering the following questions: What is the pest? Is the pest causing unacceptable damage7 What pest control method should be used? Methods of pest control include cultural (mulching, rotation), biological (natural predators), and chemical (pesticides). Jt is important to understand the meaning of the word "pesticide." Jt is a general term, referring to any substance or mixture of substances that destroys pests, controls their activity or prevents them from causing damage. Some pesticides either attract or repel pests. Others regulate the growth of plants or animals. As there are many types of pests, there are many kinds of pesticides. Insecticides control insects, herbicides control weeds, fungicides control fungi, rodenticides control rodents, etc. Pest Control Strategy Proper pesticide selection begins with identifying the pest. Don't panic just because a strange insect is present. Most insects are harmless and pose no threat. If help is needed to identify an insect, weed or disease, consult a garden center/lawn care professional, or use library/Internet references. After the pest is identified, determine if the number of pests or their damage warrants the use of a pest control method. This will vary with the plant species and pest involved. Use a control method only when it will prevent the pest from causing more damage than it is reasonable to accept. A good question to ask is, "Will there be enough damage from these pests to justify a pesticide application?" The best pesticide choice is one which provides the maximum reduction of a pest population while causing a minimum amount of environmental damage. Pesticide Guidelines Read and follow the pesticide label directions for proper use. Any use of a pesticide that violates statements on the label is illegal. This law applies to everyone, including home users, and is intended to prevent the misuse of pesticides. Apply pesticides only to a site (lawn, ornamental planting, vegetables, etc.) that is identified on the label. Pesticide Exposure Any measure taken to minimize pesticide entry into the body is advantageous. There arc three routes of entry of a pesticide into the body: oral exposure (mouth), dermal exposure (absorption through the skin and eyes), and respiratory exposure (inhalation through the lungs). Read the label for specific protective equipment guidelines. Personal Protective^Equipment The use of personal protective equipment is essential for pesticide safety. See the label for guidelines. Protective equipment includes unlined gloves (nitrile, rubber, or neoprcne). Cloth-lined garden gloves should not be worn when handling pesticides. They cannot be cleaned inside and out. Do not use common latex gloves. Pesticide carriers such as petroleum distillates, acetone, or xylene will soften latex gloves and not provide protection. Wear rubber boots over shoes so the leather or cloth will not absorb liquid pesticide. Goggles and neoprene aprons are inexpensive and should be worn when recommended by the label. Pesticide Application Equipment Several types of application equipment are available to the homeowner. Some examples are hose-end sprayers, drop spreaders, rotary spreaders, and pressure sprayers. The situation and specific pest problems often dictate which type of application equipment to use. Unless specifically prohibited on the label, any application method is allowed when applying pesticides. For example, a liquid lawn weed control product can be applied with a hand pump sprayer, a sprinkling can, or a bottle with a trigger sprayer. Protect the Environment Our environment is our surroundings: air, water, soil, plants and wildlife. .All pesticide users have the responsibility to use pesticides correctly. Pesticides can be n tool to protect the environment when used carefully, wisely, and judiciously. Consider the following environmental factors when using pesticides: • Temperature. Volatility, a change in the physical state such as from liquid to gas, is influenced bv temperature. It increases with increasing temperatures. Liquid lawn weed control products applied at temperatures above 85 degrees F have an increased chance of volatilization, which can cause injury to nearby susceptible plants. Apply these products in the morning when air temperatures tend to be cooler. • Rain or irrigation. Pesticides applied lo a lawn right before substantial rain or irrigation may not be effective in controlling the pest. Rain or irrigation too soon after the herbicide application removes the product from the subject and greatly reduces its effectiveness. Don't apply pesticides if rain is forecast within 24 hours of application. This is especially important when applying herbicides on growing lawn weeds. • Wind. Wind can drift pesticides to nontar^et sites. An example is a lawn™ I l_.' 1 herbicide that blows onto a neighbor's fruit or vegetable garden. The amount of pesticide lost from the target area and the distance it moves both increase as wind velocity increases. A general rule of thumb is to not spray a pesticide when wind velocities are greater than n gentle breeze that produces constant but light motion of twigs and leaves. Also, keep in mind the wind direction. Select a time when there is little wind (usually early morning) or the wind blows gently away from susceptible plants. • Water Resources. Once applied, a pesticide may move off the intended site if good management practices are not followed. Run-off can be caused by excessive irrigation or rain upon an area that has just received a pesticide application. A balance is often required. Some pesticides require a certain amount of water after application to move the product into the soil where it will be effective against the pest. y J Run-off water (because of excess rain or irrigation) awav from ihe application site can enter the storm drain systems and contaminate creeks, lagoons and the ocean. Pesticides can be moved off-site in the water solution or while attached to soil particles during soil erosion. The application of the right pesticide at the right time and at the proper rate is important to prevent contamination of the environment. • Disposal. Mix only the amount of pesticide you will use at anv one time. Avoid excess. The best way to dispose of small amounts of a leftover pesticide mixture is to apply it to a different part of the same site or location. Excess pesticide may be used on a different pest if the product is registered for that site or location. When a pesticide container is empty, dispose of it properly. Always rinse liquid containers well. Use the rinse water to dilute the mixture in the sprayer. Rinsed containers may then be disposed of at a sanitary landfill according to local regulations. Keep records of your pesticide use. They will help you gauge the effectiveness of a particular application, and improve pest control. Keep these records for three or four years. • Pesticide Storage. Proper facilities are needed to store any pesticide. Store pesticides in a secure place, preferably locked, and away from food, children and pets. In some cases, the label may warn that you must store the pesticide where it will not freeze. Always store pesticides in their original containers. No pesticide should ever be stored in an unmarked container, such as a bottle or can. The User is the Key Pesticide and herbicide use is a straightforward process. It begins with identifying the pest, evaluating any damage the pest may be causing, and determining if any control measures are needed. If a chemical control is selected, always read and follow the pesticide label for proper mixing, safe handling, accurate application, and proper storage and disposal. Kelly Ranch Stormwater Pollution Public Education Program Guidelines to Promote Environmental Education and Help Protect Water Quality To be Provided to Residents of Kelly Ranch May, 2001 Prepared for: KELLY LAND COMPANY 2011 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, CA 92009 Prepared by: PLANNING SYSTEMS 1530 Faraday Avenue Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Introduction When it rains or when water flows out of yards, it flows directly into storm drains. You've probably seen storm drains on our San Diego streets. Many people think that everything that flows into a storm drain gets treated, just like wastewater in a sewer system, but actually these two systems are not connected. Everything that flows down into a storm drain goes untreated directly into our creeks, bays, lagoons and ultimately the ocean. Storm water can consist of pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, litter, oil and other automobile fluids, soil erosion and household chemicals. Some of these pollutants flow into storm drains unintentionally, but many items are carelessly thrown directly into storm drains. The Clean Water Act prohibits disposal of wastes and pollutants into creeks, bays, lakes and oceans. These pollutants have harmful effects on recreational areas, waterways and wildlife. Some of San Diego's most popular beaches have been closed because of storm water pollutants. Ultimately, storm water pollution harms all of us because we depend on our waterways for recreation and to support San Diego's tourist industry. If we can prevent pollution from occurring in our homes, neighborhoods and businesses, we can protect our environment and our families' health and safety. Household Chemicals • Be aware that many chemicals commonly used around the home are toxic. Select less toxic alternatives. Use non-toxic substitutes wherever possible. • Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use, and apply them only as directed. More is not better. • Take unwanted household chemicals to hazardous waste collection centers; do not pour them down the drain. Pouring chemicals down the drain may disrupt your septic system or else contaminate treatment plant sludge. • Never pour unwanted chemicals on the ground. Soil cannot purify most chemicals, and they may eventually contaminate runoff. • Use low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergents. • Use water-based products whenever possible. • Leftover household pesticide? Do not indiscriminately spray pesticides, either indoors or outdoors, where a pest problem has not been identified. Dispose of excess pesticides at hazardous waste collection centers. Landscaping and Gardening • When landscaping your yard, select plants that have low requirements for water, fertilizers, and pesticides. • Cultivate plants that discourage pests. Minimize grassed areas which require high maintenance. • Preserve existing trees, and plant trees and shrubs to help prevent erosion and promote infiltration of water into the soil. • Use landscaping techniques such as grass swales (low areas in the lawn) or porous walkways to increase infiltration and decrease runoff. • Other landscaping tips: • Install wood decking or bricks or interlocking stones instead of impervious cement walkways. • Install gravel trenches along driveways or patios to collect water and allow it to filter into the ground. Restore bare patches in your lawn as soon as possible to avoid erosion. Grade all areas away from your house at a slope of one percent or more. Leave lawn clippings on your lawn so that nutrients in the clippings are recycled and less yard waste goes to landfills. If you elect to use a professional lawn care service, select a company that employs trained technicians and follows practices designed to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Compost your yard trimmings. Compost is a valuable soil conditioner which gradually releases nutrients to your lawn and garden. (Using compost will also decrease the amount of fertilizer you need to apply.) In addition, compost retains moisture in the soil and thus helps you conserve water. Spread mulch on bare ground to help prevent erosion and runoff. Test your soil before applying fertilizers. Over- fertilization is a common problem, and the excess can leach into ground water or contaminate rivers or lakes. Also, avoid using fertilizers near surface waters. Use slow- release fertilizers on areas where the potential for water contamination is high, such as sandy soils, steep slopes, compacted soils, and verges of water bodies. Select the proper season to apply fertilizers: Incorrect timing may encourage weeds or stress grasses. Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before or during rain due to the strong likelihood of runoff. Calibrate your applicator before applying pesticides or fertilizers. As equipment ages, annual adjustments may be needed. Keep storm gutters and drains clean of leaves and yard trimmings. (Decomposing vegetative matter leaches nutrients and can clog storm systems and result in flooding.) Water Conservation Homeowners can significantly reduce the volume of wastewater discharged to home septic systems and sewage treatment plants by conserving water. If you have a septic system, by decreasing your water usage, you can help prevent your system from overloading and contaminating ground water and surface water. (Seventy-five percent of drainfield failures are due to hydraulic overloading.) • Use low-flow faucets, shower heads, reduced-flow toilet flushing equipment, and water saving appliances such as dish and clothes washers. (See table on water savings possible with conservation devices.) • Repair leaking faucets, toilets, and pumps. • Use dishwashers and clothes washers only when fully loaded. • Take short showers instead of baths and avoid letting faucets run unnecessarily. • Wash your car only when necessary; use a bucket to save water. Alternatively, go to a commercial carwash that uses water efficiently and disposes of runoff properly. • Do not over-water your lawn or garden. Over-watering may increase leaching of fertilizers to ground water. • When your lawn or garden needs watering, use slow-watering techniques such as trickle irrigation or soaker hoses. (Such devices reduce runoff and are 20-percent more effective than sprinklers.) Other Areas Where You Can Make a Difference • Clean up after your pets. Pet waste contains nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate surface water. • Drive only when necessary. Driving less reduces the amount of pollution your automobile generates. Automobiles emit tremendous amounts of airborne pollutants, which increase acid rain; they also deposit toxic metals and petroleum byproducts into the environment. Regular tune-ups and inspections can help keep automotive waste and byproducts from contaminating runoff. Clean up any spilled automobile fluids. • Recycle used oil and antifreeze by taking them to service stations and other recycling centers. Never put used oil or other chemicals down stormdrains or in drainage ditches. (One quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons of drinking water!)