CRANFORD ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
The Cranford Environmental Commission meets monthly to
discuss matters relating to the environment, including recycling,
and ways in which educational information can be distributed to
the people of Cranford.
Major recent activities include:

Conducting an inventory of Cranford’s 8,000 street trees

Creation of a street tree computer database

Review potential environmental impact of site plans

Nonpoint Source Pollution Education:

Library Display

Storm-sewer labeling project

Channel 35 interview

This pamplet!

Newspaper articles
Meetings are usually the second Monday of each month.
For information contact Warren Hehl at 709-7299
WHAT IS RUN-OFF POLLUTION?
Run-off pollution is the major source of water quality degradation in
New Jersey. Sources of run-off pollution include a diverse range of
human activity that cumulatively causes serious short- and long-term
impacts to the state’s recreational waters and, ultimately, to our
drinking water.
Run-off is merely water that runs across land rather than being
absorbed into the ground. In Cranford, rain and melting snow pick
up and carry away a variety of natural and man-made
contaminants, ultimately depositing them into rivers, lakes,
wetlands, aquifers and the ocean.
These contaminants include:

Fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and
residential areas;

Oil, grease and other toxic fluids from automobiles and roadways;

Sediment from improperly managed construction sites and eroding
stream banks, and;

Bacteria and nutrients from animal and pet wastes.
WHY IS RUN-OFF POLLUTION A PROBLEM?
Run-off pollution is a serious problem in New Jersey and Cranford
today. The collective, statewide impact of run-off pollution
threatens aquatic and marine life, water-related recreational
activity and tourism, the fishing industry and, most importantly, our
drinking water.
Although individual homes might contribute only minor amounts
of run-off pollution, the combined effect of an entire neighborhood
can be serious.
We all play a part.
Run-off pollution results from a wide variety of human activities on
the land. Each of us can contribute to the problem without even
realizing it. In a sense, every property in Cranford is waterfront
property. After runoff is collected by the Township’s storm sewer
system, it flows untreated into nearby streams and the Rahway
River. Each property in town adds its contribution to the river.
WE ARE ALL PART OF THE PROBLEM
WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Lawn and Garden Care

Each year, Americans spend approximately $6 billion
caring for their lawns.

Homeowners use from four to ten times more chemicals
per acre than farmers.

Fertilizers run off lawns and enter local water bodies
through storm drains. Fertilizers contain nitrates and
phosphates, nutrients that reduce aquatic oxygen levels
and degrade fish habitat.

Pesticides, many of which are also toxic to humans, fish
and other wildlife, also enter local waters.
Pet and Animal Waste

Animal wastes contain parasites and bacteria, which
can cause waterborne diseases such as cyyptosporidium,
giardia and salmonella.

It is illegal In Cranford to fail to clean up after your dog,
whether on streets or in the woods and parks. Dog feces
left in the streets is washed into the Rahway River.

In Cranford, Canada geese are also a serious problem.
Soil Erosion

Exposed soil is often carried directly to local rivers.
Erosion causes substantial losses to streamside habitat
as stream banks and the vegetation they support
gradually disappear.

Significant losses to in-stream habitat occur as the varied
natural stream bed of pebbles, rock ledges and deep
pools is covered by a uniform blanket of eroded sand
and silt.

Sediment originates not only from construction sites, but
from new lawns, steep slopes or any other area of
exposed soil not properly protected from rainfall.
Household Products

Many common household products are toxic: batteries,
oven cleaners, drain cleaners, paint and paint thinners,
pool chemicals, polishes, waxes, and cosmetics.

Each person in New Jersey generates approximately 100
pounds of household hazardous waste each year.
Impervious Surfaces

Impervious surfaces are any material that prevents the
infiltration of water into the soil -roads, rooftops, driveways
and parking lots. As the natural landscape is paved over,
a chain of events is started that typically ends in degraded
water quality.

When a community’s impervious surface coverage
increases, the velocity and volume of surface runoff
increase, with a corresponding decrease in infiltration.
The larger volume of runoff and its increased velocity
causes increased erosion from construction sites,
downstream areas and stream banks. Paved surfaces
transfer heat to runoff increasing the temperature of
receiving waters and degrading aquatic habitat.

The increase in runoff velocity and volume results in an
increase in the severity of flooding.
Motor Vehicles

The improper disposal of motor oil, antifreeze and car
batteries, as well as simply washing a car, contributes
to run-off pollution.

Just one quart of motor oil can contaminate two million
gallons of water. One part per million can make water
unsafe to drink.
Lawn and Garden Care

Use less fertilizer.

Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. Leave grass clippings on the lawn so that their
nutrients are recycled and less yard waste goes to the
landfill. Start a compost pile and add compost to your
garden. If you must use chemicals, follow the instructions
carefully and never apply before a rainfall.

Plant the right grass for your location. Better yet, consider
other ground covers. This will reduce maintenance and
absorb up to 14 times more rainwater than a grass lawn.

In small areas, pull weeds by hand. And remember, a few
weeds are fine.

As a way to reduce pesticide use, consider using
integrated pest management techniques. Introduce
plants that discourage insects, such as marigolds, geraniums
or garlic bulbs, to your property. Plant trees and shrubs such
as holly, dogwood and red cedar to attract birds. Also,
consider introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs
or praying mantises, to your lawn and garden.
Pet and Animal Waste

Clean up after your pet! Use a scooper or plastic gloves
and dispose of pet waste in the toilet or garbage.

Don’t let your pets defecate on paved surfaces or near
storm drains.

Don’t feed Cranford’s goose population. This will only attract more geese
and increase the impact on local waters.
Soil Erosion

Rain gutters and downspouts should drain onto
vegetated or gravel-filled areas, not directly onto paved
surfaces. The use of splash blocks under rain gutters and
downspouts will also help reduce erosion.

Check your property regularly for signs of erosion and
runoff. Restore bare patches in your lawn.

Preserve existing trees and plant additional trees and
shrubs to encourage water infiltration.

When storing piles of sand or soil, do not pile on paved
areas where it will wash away in a rain. Store on soil or
gravel and cover with plastic tarps.
Household Products

Select less toxic or nontoxic alternatives whenever possible.
Use water-based products whenever possible.

Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use and
apply them only as directed. More is not better.

NEVER pour unwanted household chemicals down a
household drain or storm drain. They will contaminate
treatment plant sludge.

NEVER pour unwanted chemicals on the ground, the soil
cannot purify most chemicals and they will eventually
contaminate either groundwater or runoff.

To dispose of any unwanted chemicals, take advantage
of the county-sponsored hazardous waste collection days
held several times each year.

Don’t throw away old batteries, recycle them at the
Conservation Center.
.
Impervious Surfaces

Limit the amount of impervious surface coverage in your
landscaping. Consider the use of permeable surfaces
such as wood decks, gravel or brick paths and rock
gardens to let water soak into the ground.

Install gravel trenches or plant grass along driveways or
patios to collect water and allow it to filter slowly into the
ground.

Don’t hose driveways or sidewalks. Dry sweeping paved
areas, along with careful trash disposal, are simple and
effective pollution reducers.
Motor Vehicles

NEVER pour used motor oil down a household drain or
storm drain. It will contaminate treatment plant sludge
or water bodies. Take used motor oil to the Conservation
Center or a gas station for proper disposal.

Maintain your vehicle regularly. It will save you money in
the long run and prevent leakage of toxic fluids.

Wash your vehicle only when necessary. Use a commercial
car wash that recycles water whenever possible. If you
must wash your own vehicle, consider using a
non-phosphate detergent.
Bulk Rate
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 396
Cranford, N.J.
RESIDENT
CRANFORD, NJ 07016