Fullerton, CA
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Street Sweeping is essential to lessen impacts of environmental threats and localized street and urban area pollution. By keeping our streets clean, Fullerton protects our natural environment. Street sweeping increases environmental stewardship by:
Air Improvement
Helping to address air pollution by regularly removing particulate matter from streets and roads. The EPA estimates that 28 million people in the U.S. live in counties where road dust contributes significantly to air pollution levels that exceed federal health standards. Although motor vehicles are one of the major sources of airborne particulates like dust, debris from construction sites can also contribute to higher levels of air pollution if not addressed promptly. Keeping streets clean through regular sweeping can help reduce these contaminants and improve local air quality standards throughout an area.
Clean Stormwater
Decreasing waterway contamination by reducing the amount of material entering stormwater drains and sewers, which feed into streams, rivers, and other local bodies of water. This reduces the amount of sediment deposited in waterways and prevents excess pollutants from entering our environment – such as heavy metals or oil that could harm aquatic life or drinking water supplies downstream.
Traffic Safety
Increasing traffic safety by helping to remove hazardous materials, like glass and nails, from the roadway. These materials are unsafe to both pedestrians and vehicle operators.
Fire Safety
Decreasing potential fire hazards due to the removal of combustible materials on streets.
Wildlife Safety
Lessening wildlife exposure to potentially toxic substances.
Removing algae causing materials from entering the stormwater system. Street sweeping can keep green waste, like leaves and grass clippings, from entering the stormwater system. Due to green waste containing high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, in large quantities, these materials can cause chemical imbalances in water and lead to the increased production of algae. An excessive amount of algae in a water source depletes oxygen from the environment, resulting in death of aquatic life.
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