[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                                      EEP IT CLEAN

























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                223.6
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                K44        ftz"zwn's Guide to Protecting Our Estuary
                1993
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                           EEP IT CLEAN





                 A Citizen's Guide To Protecting Our Estuary










                           Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
                               Florida Department of Natural Resources

                           National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
      Z7                          Sanctuaries and Reserves Division






                         Written and Photographed by Carla Kappmeyer
                           Cover and Illustrations by Margo McKnight






        This guide was funded through a grant (Award # NA170R0327-01) from the National Oceanic and
        Atmospheric Administration, Sanctuaries and Reserves Division. It is available through:


                   DEE,A
                                     Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
                                     Florida Department of Natural Resources
            0                        10 Shell Island Road
                                     Naples, Florida 33962

                   L


        We wish to acknowledge the contributions and assistance of numerous colleagues andfriends:

                             John Begeman                               Larry Nall
                             Steve Bertone                              Peggy O'Donoghue
                             Craig Blocker                              Belinda Perry
                             Dawn Cooper                                Ellen Peterson
                             June Cradick                               Barb Prynowski
                             Jim Craft                                  Bob Reperming
                             Wayne Daltry                               Danny Riley
                             Elsie Johnson                              I,' ristie Seaman
                             Jackie Jordon                              Philip Sherwin
                             Keith Kipp                                 Dr. Mike Shirley
                             John Kiseda                                Mike Slayton
                             Eric Lovestrand                            Shelly Smith
                             Gary Lytton                                Dr. T. J. Smith
                             Chuck McKenna                              Heather Stafford
                             Ann Muga                                   Steve Theberge

        Special thanksgo to Ginger Hinchcliff (whose idea ledto thisbook), Susan Davis, Judy Ott, andPam Zamora
        for their assistance with editing.


        The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve
        system, established by Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. Additional
        information about the system can be obtained from:


                    AT               The Sanctuaries and Reserves Division
                                     Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Mgmt.
                                     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                     U. S. Department of Commerce
                                     1825 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
                    EW OF
                                     Washington, D.C. 20235


                                         Printedoit lecycledpaper





                                                                   CONTENTS


                PREFACE
                INTRODUCTION                   ..................................... o.o ....................................................................V
                                                                            CffAPTER ONE
                ATHOME            ..........................o ...............................................................................................................1
                          Household Chemicals             ........................................................................................................................1
                          Home Water Conservation                ...............................................................................................................5
                          Septic Tanks        ........................................................................................................................................8
                          Auto Care       .......................................................................................................................................... 12
                          Pets   ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
                          Aquariums        ......................................................................................................................................... 15
                          Pools    ................................................................................................................................................... 16
                                                                             CHAPTERIVO
                FRONT YARD/BACKYARD                          .......................................o...........................................o.................... o 17
                          Lawn and Landscape             ........................................................................................................................ 19
                          Watering and Irrigation            ................................................................................................................... 21
                          Erosion and Sediments             .................................................................................................................... 24
                          Permeable Pavements             ...................................................................................................................... 25
                          Contouring, Terracing, and Infiltration Devices                    .......................................................................... 26
                          Gardening        ......................................................................................................................................... 27
                          Fertilizers    ........................................................................................................................................... 29

                                                                          ................... ..............
                          Pesticides    .......................................o...  CffAPTER.THREE  .............................................................. 31
                WATERFRONT PROPERTY                           ..............................................o.......o........................................... oo ... 35
                                                                           CHAPTER FOUR
                RECREATION               ..............................................................o.......o.....                                    3 9
                          Boating      .............................................................................................................................................. 39
                          Air Boats, PWC's, and ATV's              ............................o............................................................................ 42
                          Marine Dumping and Debris                .......................................................................................................... 43
                          Beach Outings, Picnics, Camping, and Community Events                            ........................................................ 45
                          Golf    .................................................................................................................................................... 46
                                                                            CHAPTER FIVE
                COMMUNIIT                ..........................................................o..................................................................... 49


                                                                             APPENDICES


                          Natural Alternatives To Commercial Products                      ............................................................................ 55
                          How A Septic Systern Works               .......................................................................................................... 59
                          Bibliography       ...................................................................................................................................... 60
                          Resources       .......................................................................................................................................... 62
                          Household Hazardous Waste Chart                    .............................................................................................. 65
                          Self Evaluation       .................................................................................................................................. 69








            BEFoREYou TuRNTHE PAGE....


            Do you use common household products such as laundry detergent, drain cleaner, air freshener, furniture
            Polish, floor wax, paint, rust remover, glue, and batteries?

            Do you water the lawn? Do you use fertilizer and pesticides in yard care or gardening?

            Does your home run on a septic system?

            Do you drive a car? Do you maintain your vehicles or change the oil in your car?

            Do you have pets or an aquarium?

            Do you have a backyard swimming pool?

            Do you live on waterfront property?

            Do you fish or play golf?

            Do you own a boat or an all-terrain vehicle?

            Do you enjoy going to the beach, on picnics, or camping?

            Do you vote?


            If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions ....

            The information in this book applies to all of us .... YOU, TOO!

            Is there a common thread to the above questions? They all have to do with what individuals can do to help
            prevent water pollution. Most of us would like to do more for the environment. This book gives you the
            opportunity to do just that! To find out more about water pollution, how individuals can make a difference,
            and some helpful hints on using Keep It Clean, turn to the PREFACE.





                                           'NA 9E E S                ROOKERY BAY
                                                            NATIONAL ESTUARINE
                                                              RESEARCH RESERVE




                                                                                                BELLE
                                                                                                MEADE

                           ROOKERY BA
                                                                                         ENDERSON CREEK


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                      PREPARED BY MA. SHIRLEY. FLORDA







                                                               PREFACE


             Water pollution is a problem that most of us are aware of, but feel comfortably removed from. The Exxon
             Valdez spilled millions of gallons of oil in Alaskan waters, the sewage and hypodermic needles of large
             eastern cities washed up along the northern shores of the Atlantic seaboard, and the groundwater
             contamination of Love Canal occurred in New York. However, water pollution is a problem that knows no
             boundaries. The water which we withdraw for use in our homes is ultimately released as some form of
             wastewater. Eventually it finds its way into our rivers, lakes, oceans, or the aquifers storing our groundwater.

             We are all too often satisfied with the quality of water that comes out of a tap and that of our rivers, lakes,
             and oceans. Should we be satisfied with purifying sewage, using reverse osmosis, buying bottled water, and
             installing carbon filters in the kitchen sink to obtain "safe" drinking water? Should we be concerned with
             declining fisheries, the disappearance of once abundant species, and the deterioration of coastal Florida and
             the Gulf of Mexico?


             Sources of Water Pollution
             Most of us associate pollution with major urban centers. We think of smokestacks spewing out fumes,
             antiquated sewage treatment plants, and outfall pipes discharging industrial wastes directly into a river or
             lake. A significant amount of water pollution comes from this type of "point source" pollution, or pollution
             originating from a particular site such as a factory. However, if every industry and city were to shut down and
             stop discharging wastes for one day, over half of all of today's pollution would continue to reach our rivers,
             lakes, and estuaries! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 60% of the remaining water
             pollution in the U.S. can be attributed to nonpoint sources. "Nonpoint source" pollution is generated over
             the broader areas of our cities, towns, and suburbs rather than from one specific site. It results from the kind
             of everyday activities that no one thinks twice about such as driving to work, cleaning with household
             chemicals, and applying fertilizer and pesticides to lawn and garden. In contrast to point source pollution
             which occurs on a fairly continuous basis, nonpoint source pollution is carried into receiving waters at
             irregular intervals by stormwater runoff.

             Stormwater runoff is the rainwater which runs off our roofs, driveways, and along city streets picking up oil,
             grease, lead, zinc, and other heavy metals, litter, and dirt from construction sites. In rural areas, runoff flows
             over the land carrying sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes. Stormwater runoff washes into
             storm drains, drainage ditches, our rivers, creeks, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico.

             Runoff moving across the ground may also sink into the soil and contaminate groundwater resources.
             Pollutants found in groundwater include pesticides from agriculture, petroleum products from gasoline
             storage areas, heavy metals from motor vehicles, and nitratcs,'bacteria, and viruses from septic systems.
             Rainwater percolating through older, unlined landfills can leach any number of highly concentrated, toxic
             chemicals and carry them to the groundwater.

             If Water Is A Shared Resource, Then Preventing Water Pollution Must Be A Shared Responsibility.
             Thewaters of Rookery Bay are the primary concern of thisbook. The Coastal Zone ManagementAct of 1972
             addressed the need to protect the nation's inshore marine habitats and established the National Estuarine
             Research Reserve system under the direction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
             (NOAA). NOAA is responsible for designating estuaries as reserves and administering the system in
             cooperation with state governments. The two Florida reserves, Rookery Bay and Apalachicola Bay, are
             managed by the Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Marine Resources. A third Florida
             NERR, located on the east coast, is being considered for designation. However, government agencies, laws,

                                                                                                                           iii






       and regulations alone cannot fully ensure the ftiture of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research
       Reserve.


       Without the help of individuals and a greater community effort, Rookery Bay and the great wealth of life
       within its waters will decline. Nonpoint source pollution is produced unintentionally; we need to address it!
       It is ironic that we often end up polluting our environment by how we care for it. Carelessly using something
       as simple as soap in our homes or fertilizer on our lawns, affects the people who live downstream and impacts
       all other life downstream as well. Individuals can make a difference. When a whole community makes the
       commitment to work together, the results can be astonishingly successful. Just imagine saving 30 gallons of
       water in your home each day. Your new water-conserving habits are magnified enormously when 100 other
       people in the neighborhood get behind the project and do the same. Together you have saved over 3000
       gallons of water!

       Using KEEP IT CLEAN

       An "environmental audit" is the first step to becoming environmentally responsible. Careful examination of
       our daily routines may reveal that some of the most ordinary things we do are also the most harmful! This
       book can assist you with your own environmental audit. Used as a guide, it can help you determine if what
       you are doing has a positive or negative impact on our waters. Clearly this isn't the final word on preventing
       water pollution. The possibilities are open and waiting to be explored. Some suggestions will be useful to
       you, others will not. Use what best fits your personal circumstances.

       Background at the beginning of each chapter and individual sections within chapters provides information
       on specific pollution problems. Background information is intended to further your understanding of the
       environment, in your own space (inside and outside of the home) and the greater Rookery Bay area.

       Key Concepts, summary statements in bold print, focus attention on the most important points of a chapter
       or section.


       Bullets are bolded and suggest steps that the average citizen can take to help solve water pollution problems.

       Safety Concepts are in bold print to alert the reader to potential health risks and safety hazards.

       "How To" Concepts are shaded and highlight longer, explanatory blocks of information.

       Appendices provide further information.

       Resources within the Appendices list agency and organization addresses and telephone numbers to which
       the reader is referred throughout the book.

       Self Evaluation is included at the back of the book for you to cut out, return by mail, and let us know what
       steps you have taken in preventing water pollution. You may come up with a few creative ideas of your own,
       too! Let us hear from you. Your feedback can help us evaluate the book and determine future outreach
       programs.

       Although you may be tempted, please don't skip the INTRODUCTION! It has some startling statistics
       about Florida waters and how we use water. It will also introduce you to Rookery Bay, the estuary, and our
       watershed. You will never again think of water as only something to drink, swim in, or boat on!

       iv






            INTRODUCTION


            Ask anyone .... yourself included, friends and neighbors, a Florida native, a northern snowbird, and even a
            first-time tourist to imagine Florida and make a list of the most striking images which come to mind. What
            are the most vivid and lasting impressions of Florida? Palm trees, orange groves, and Disney World;
            alligators, ospreys, snail kites and the vast expanse of sawgrass and shining waters of the Everglades; the
            heyday of Miami Beach and faded elegance of Art Deco hotels; fishing the black tea waters of the Suwannee
            River or the brilliant blue waters off the Florida Keys. The answers will be surprisingly diverse, but invariably
            one response will appear throughout the list    ..... water.

            Bordered on three sides by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida coastline
            runs a distance of nearly 11,000 miles. Equally impressive are the more than 7700 lakes, 1700 rivers and
            streams, and 300 springs throughout the peninsula. With outflows ranging from less than one gallon per
            minute to millions of gallons in one day, springs remind us of the amazing capacity of Florida's aquifers.
            These vast, hidden, underground reservoirs of groundwater provide 90% of us with drinking water.
            Thousands of acres of wetlands (riverine floodplains, marshes, swamps, prairies, sloughs, and cypress forests)
            must also be included as a major part of Florida's waters. Perhaps because water has such an extraordinary,
            widespread presence in Florida, it is taken for granted. As Florida's population continues to soar, water
            resources can no longer be thought of as endless.

            Based on data compiledby the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Water Resources Council makes projections
            concerning water use in the U.S. Regarding the daily volume of fresh water withdrawn for use in the home,
            Florida ranks among the top ten states. The average Florida resident uses approximately 175 gallons of water
            per day. This amount is well above the nationwide average of 110 gallons and almost three times the amount
            used by Great Britain and western Europe which is only 59 gallons per person per day. Intense demand for
            water in heavily populated coastal areas may exceed local water supplies, particularly during the dry winter
            season when populations peak. Increased pumping in coastal areas can damage wetlands and lead to
            saltwater intrusion. We are certain to see rising costs for pumping and treating water as well as increased
            competition for water among municipal, industrial, and agricultural interests.

            Rookery Bay .... Backyard Treasure
            Not so very far beyond your own backyard, there is another 'backyard       ...... Rookery Bay. Although it is of
            much greater scope and harbors extraordinary wealth, it remains largely unknown to most of us. It may be
            surprising to think of water as having greater value than gold, oil, or a pirate's stolen cache. However, water
            can be equated with life. Water is essential to all living systems, regardless of whether we are considering a
            small forest pool with tree frogs or one of the great cities of the world. Water is the lifeblood of Florida and
            our most important link to the environment. It supports Florida's natural resource base, sustains wildlife and
            fisheries, and contributes greatly to Florida's economy.

            Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is of special interest, because it has many of Florida's
            ecosystems within its boundaries and is a microcosm of the greater Florida peninsula. Upland habitats within
            or adjacent to the Reserve include assemblages of pine flatwoods, cabbage palm, oaks and other hardwoods,
            and tropical hammocks. Strands and pockets of coastal scrub remain here. Rookery Bay has important
            wildlife values and plays a significant role in providing habitat and maintaining species diversity. Species
            found or sighted in the Reserve and listed by the Federal Government and state Game and Fresh Water Fish
            Commissions as endangered, threatened, or of special concern include the West Indian manatee, Atlantic
            loggerhead sea turtle, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, least tern, Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub jay, and the


                                                                                                                         v






       Florida panther. The cypress community, a freshwater wetland habitat, is scattered throughout the Reserve.
       Tangled mangrove forest, parts of which are neither land nor sea, and the fluid expanse of grasses, sedges,
       and rushes of salt and freshwater marsh, compose more than 90% of the emergent wetland vegetation. The
       many backbays and numerous islands form one of the most extensive mangrove areas in Florida. Marine and
       estuarine animals find food, shelter, and nursery habitat within the warm, quiet waters and dense thicket of
       prop roots. Herons, egrets, and other coastal birds nest within the mangroves of the overwash islands.

       Estuaries ..... Where Rivers Meet the Sea
       Located between wave-dominated beaches to the north and a network of low energy lagoons and coastal
       mangrove islands to the south, Rookery Bay is a dynamic and ecologically complex estuary. Estuaries are
       shallow, inshore marine habitats where the waters of a freshwater stream flow to the sea and meet salty ocean
       waters. An estuary may be a bay, lagoon, the mouth of a river, or any other drainage area with a connection
       to the sea. Productivity is tremendous with over 75% of the fish and shellfish that are important in Florida's
       commercial and sport fisheries spending part of their life cycles within the estuary. The open waters of
       Rookery Bay harbor over 100 species of fishes.

       Other estuarine habitats found within the waters of Rookery Bay include seagrass beds, mud flats, and oyster
       bars. Growing submerged in shallow waters, seagrasses support a diversity of aquatic organisms including
       fishes, crustaceans, echinoderms, and sea turtles. Like the mangrove forest, the seagrass meadow provides
       a safe nursery habitat, traps sediment, and stabilizes the bottom. Mud flats and oyster bars are home to
       worms, mollusks, crabs, insects, and tiny organisms buried within the top layers of sediment. Though not
       easily visible to the naked eye, the open waters of Rookery Bay are teeming with countless, driftingplant and
       animal life, phyto- and zobplankton. Plankton is used as food by nearly all aquatic animals. The food web,
       or who eats what, is always the business at hand. A frenzy of activity is continuously taking place beneath the
       deceptively calm waters, where food items are being grazed on, nibbled at, shredded, munched on, filtered,
       speared, or swallowed whole.

       Canoeing the quiet backwaters offers the unique Florida experience of observing dolphins, manatees, and
       birds foraging in shallow waters. Although we can easily observe these and other higher levels in the food
       web, we should not forget the fallen mangrove leaf floating about, beginning to decay. Bacteria and fungi
       are industriously working away, breaking down the leaf which will disintegrate into thousands of tiny food
       particles for such small critters as shrimp, snails, and worms. Eventually the finest organic matter dissolves
       and can be filtered or absorbed by animals in all the major estuarine groups. In addition to the food web,
       aquatic productivity, and fishing, other important estuarine values include flood control, storm and wave
       damage protection, erosion control, water supply and water quality maintenance, climate regulation,
       recreation, and aesthetics.


       Watersheds
       Watersheds are essential to the dynamics and productivity of estuaries. A watershed is the drainage basin
       or the land area drained by a regional creek, stream, or river system. Freshwater rivers carry dissolved
       nutrients from upland and wetland habitats into the estuary. Decaying organic debris referred to as detritus
       and sediments rich in minerals are part of this nutrient inflow. These ingredients, together with saltmarsh,
       seagrass, and mangrove vegetation, plankton, and bottom sediments, are warmed by the sun and stirred by
       the energy of wind, rain, tides, and currents. This very enriched broth is responsible for the great productivity
       of Rookery Bay and other Gulf Coast estuaries.

       Although nutrient input is essential to the health of an estuary, too many nutrients can cause serious
       pollution problems. Fertilizers and malfunctioning septic systems are sources of nutrient pollution. Seasonal

       vi






          weather patterns worsen the problem. During the dry winter months and times of drought, nonpoint
          pollutants accumulate, building up heavy loads. When it rains, pollutant loads shock receiving waters and
          estuarine systems. At the beginning of a storm, when the first flush of contaminants is washed into area
          waters, aquatic life is subject to intense stress and damage.

          An area of land known as Belle Meade is the primary watershed of Rookery Bay. The Belle Meade
          Watershed includes most of the area which drains into Henderson Creek and the Ten Thousands Islands.
          Freshwater flow into Rookery Bay comes from Henderson Creek to the west and from Stopper and Sandhill
          creeks to the northwest. Agriculture is currently the most significant use of land in the Belle Meade area,
          along with single-family residences. Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Naples and comprised of
          over 100,000 acres, Belle Meade is largely undeveloped with a number of diverse habitats including hydric
          pine flatwoods, scrub, mixed swamp, pond apple sloughs, tropical hardwood hammocks, cypress domes,
          strands, and savannas, cabbage palm hammocks, wet prairies, freshwater marsh, salt marsh, and mangroves.

          Rain disappears through the deep, sandy soils, replenishes the water table, and trickles down through cracks
          within the thick limestone aquifer to recharge groundwater. Wetlands store surface water and vegetation
          slows and filters storrawater runoff before it is channeled into Henderson Creek. Rookery Bay depends on
          clean freshwater inflows to dilute seawater, provide nutrients for plant productivity, and help create its
          unique estuarine environment. Problems arise when the quality, amount, and timing of freshwater inflows
          are altered. The loss of freshwater input and terrestrial nutrients can result in the deterioration of salt marsh,
          mangroves, and seagrass beds due to increased salinities. Clearly, the protection and preservation of the
          Belle Meade Watershed and Henderson Creek Basin are of critical importance to Rookery Bay.

          Waters In Balance
          As we have seen, Rookery Bay is a body of water that is made up of many different elements. All of the
          biological organisms (animal, plant, andbacteria) and physical and chemical parameters including temperature,
          salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen exist together in "balance". If this estuary or any other "living" body of water
          is disturbed, the balance is lost, the waters begin to die, fish kills result, and other aquatic species gradually
          disappear.

          We have to learn to think of a body of water as an ecosystem, the stability of which is proportional to the
          number of species that inhabit it. Consider an aquarium as the living body of water which symbolizes a much
          larger pond, bay, or an ocean. Imagine adding drops of oil, detergent, pesticides, or paint thinner to it with
          an eyedropper. Think of the eyedropper as a river draining stormwater runoff from the watershed. A penny
          and a nickel tossed into the aquarium are the heavy metals from automobiles. At some point, conditions in
          this little body of water will change for the worse so that fish, crabs, plants, and bacteria will be unable to
          survive. Regardless of size, rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands, and, yes, even oceans are vulnerable to
          pollution.

          It is only recently that we have learned that management of water resources must protect the natural
          environment as well as meet our urban, industrial, and agricultural needs. Estuaries are sensitive to pollution
          and subject to pressures from coastal development. Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in
          the United States. Collier is one of four coastal counties containing 97% of the total permanent residential
          population in a regional group of six counties. Northern seasonal residents increase the population of this
          area by an additional 22% during the winter. Our presence is disturbing the"balance". Florida's history has
          always involved water, often with drastic ecological consequences. Ultimately, it is up to each of us to write
          a new chapter in Florida's water history .... one for the better.


                                                                                                                          vii





            FA.T HOME

            At Home, the beginning chapter of KEEP IT CLEAN          'includes a
            number of different sections ranging from Household Chemicals to
            Aquariums. Being cautious with chemicals and the benefits of            A young mother with a house
            conserving water are obvious to everyone. However, you may very         cleaning service makes a habit of
            well wonder why a section on aquariums is included. Seemingly           using natural alternatives to
            harmless aquariums have had a major impact on Florida waters.           strong commercial products in
            Reading the background information of ALL chapters and sections         her business. She helps keep
            will give you a more thorough understanding of the pollution            surface and ground waters clean
            problems threatening our waters today. The impact of aquariums          and helps reduce the solid waste
            and other less obvious water pollution problems will become             stream at the landfill.
            apparent after reading the introductions.

            HouSEHOLD CHEMICALS

            Preventing water pollution in and around our homes begins with
            taking an inventory of common household products and cleaners
            that we use everyday. Look under the kitchen and bathroom sinks,
            check the laundry and utility room, and survey, the shelves and
            corners of the garage, workshop, and storage
            closet. Most of our homes will turn up a
            small chemical arsenal. Oven, drain, and
            toilet cleaners contain the caustic base lye
            (sodium hydroxide). Laundry detergents,
            abrasive cleansers, and mildew removers
            contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
            Cleaners that dissolve    hard water scale
            deposits contain sulfamic and hydroacetic
            acids.


                                                                                                  ..........
            Many common household products contain
            petroleum-based chemicals and other non-
                                                                         M
                                                                                                     'MEW"
            biodegradable ingredients. Aerosols,
            automotive products, metal, shoe, and                                                        Im"",
            furniture polishes, floor care products, and
            bug sprays and pesticides are high in carbon-
            based organic compounds. Petroleum distillates make some
            products flammable. Some of the most toxic household products
            are those used in home maintenance and repair including paints,
            preservatives, strippers and thinners, glues, and varnishes.

            The garages, basements, and attics of older homes are quite possibly
            storing products that have been sitting for years, and in some cases,
            even decades. Unknown chemicals with missing or illegible labels






                                                       and banned pesticides such as DDT, whose active ingredients are
                                                       now considered too risky for consumer use, may turn up. Homes
                                                       with a photography, art, or ceramics studio or a swimming pool,
                                                       boat, or garden add more chemicals to the inventory.
                                                       Mostpeople take extra precautions with strong household cleaners,
                                                       chemicals, and other substances that could potentially poison or
                                                       harm children and pets. Few people think twice about pouring
                                                       chemicals down the drain, flushing them down the toilet, dumping
         Take care when buying,                        them on the ground, or hosing them off the driveway. We don't stop
                                                       to consider the dangers when we dispose of "empty" containers by
             using, storing, and                       setting them out for garbage pick-up. Cans and other containers
                                                       with residual chemicals that are trucked to landfills could potenti,
         disposing of household                        leak toxins into the air, soil, groundwater, and eventually the food-
                                                       chain. In the case of incinerators, gaseous emissions and other fine
           chemicals. Cut down                         particulate matter have the potential to contaminate air and surface
                                                       waters. The improper storage of toxic ash has the potential to
              on the number of                         pollute groundwater. We can significantly reduce the impact of
                                                       hazardous chemicals in a number of ways.
           hazardous household
                                                       When purchasing household chemicals:
                     products.                            Read the label. It should list the ingredients, instructions for
                                                          use, storage, and disposal, potential hazards and warnings.
                                                          Compare a number of products, select the least toxic product,
                                                          and buy only the amount needed.

                                                       o  Buy nonaerosol sprays and biodegradable products that come
                                                          in recyclable containers.

                                                       o  Buy rechargeable batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries are
                                                          more expensive than alkaline, but can be recharged up to 100
                                                          times saving money in the long run and keeping toxic metals out
                                                          of the landfill or incinerator.


                                                       0  Buy multi-purpose products. Uok for the non-phosphate,
                                                          biodegradable laundry detergent that cleans and bleaches and
                                                          the all-purpose household cleaner that can clean a variety of
                                                          washable surfaces: walls, tiles, floors, counter tops, glass, ceramic,
                                                          and wood.


                                                       o  Consider nontoxic alternatives in place of strong household
                                                          cleaners and commercial products. Simple ingredients such as
                                                          soap, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), washing soda (sodium
                                                          carbonate), borax, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and
                                                          ammonia can be safe, effective, and economical.




        2






             When using household chemicals:

             0   Use the product only as directed and only when needed.

             e   Read the label carefully so potential hazards are understood.
                 Take appropriate precautions (opening windows for adequate
                 ventilation, wearing protective gloves or goggles, removing
                 food and dishes, etc.).

             ï¿½   Never remove a label. Labels should remain intact for easy
                 referral.


             ï¿½   Follow the directions for the amounts needed. More is not
                 better. More will not clean faster and may even create problems.
                 Continuing to dump lye drain cleaner down a clogged drain
                 after the initial application fails to open it can damage pipes or
                 the septic system.

             ï¿½   Keep sand, kitty litter, sawdustor some other absorbent material
                 on hand to clean up spills.

             e   Never use chemicals around wells, septic systems, cisterns, or
                 waterbodies.


             CAUTION. Never mix household products together or use
                 simultaneously. Dangerous chemical reactions can occur. The
                 combination of ammonia and chlorine bleach produces deadly
                 chloramine gas.

             When storing or disposing of household chemicals:

             ï¿½   Store products as directed. Products should be kept in a safe,
                 well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight, and in areas not
                 subject to temperature extremes.

             *   Neverdispose ofpaints, preservatives, thinners, brush cleaners,
                 or other solvents by pouring them down the drain, on the
                 ground, or into a street or storm drain. Some of these products
                 contain the suspected carcinogen methylene chloride, toluene,
                 and other toxic chemicals. Disposing of these chemicals carelessly
                 could destroy the beneficial bacteria of septic systems and
                 sewage treatment plants. Septic systems and sewage plants are
                 not able to break down hazardous wastes completely, so some
                 toxins are carried into area surface and ground waters.

             ï¿½   Never burn or bury unused chemicals or their containers.



                                                                                                                          3








                                                                      Do not use wood preservatives containing                                creosote,
                                                                      pentachlorophenol, or arsenic. Leftover wood preservatives,
                                                                      treated scrap wood, shavings, and sawdust should be delivered
                                                                      to a hazardous waste collection center.


                                                                 CAUTION. Store products out of the reach of children.
                           How To
                                                                 CAUTION. Store products with lids tightly closed. Harmful fumes
       What to Do With Leftover						may escape from an open container; acid may splash the                .. .. ......
       Supplies                                                   person who reaches for the container.
       Unused or partialy used paints and                               
	 decorating supplies can be donated to  			     CAUTION. Store products in their original containers. Transferring
	 local organizations such as theater				a toxic substance to a different container is dangerous the
	 groups, homeless shelters, or to a					could result in accidental poisoning.  Some ingredients are
	 hazardous waste collection exchange				chemically incompatible with materials from which containers
	 program.  If leftover paint cannot be				are made (certain plastice, for example), and will dissolve or
	 used, place the opened can in a well-				melt the container.
       ventilated place (preferably outdoors).
	 After the contents solify, stuff the can			     RESOURCES: Refer to the Appendix for a complete list of products
	 with old newspapers, seal the lid, and set			and the traditional cleansers and natural alternatives that can be
	 out for curbside trash collection.  Paint			substituted for these products.
       thinner, turpentine, mineral spirits, and
       brush cleaners containing solvents can 
       be recycled by storing in a closed
	 container until particles settle out.  The
       liquid solvent should then be filtered
       into a separate labeled metal container
       and stored for further use.  The container
       with sludge should be taken to a
       hazardous waste collection center.
                                               





            4
 




            HOME WATER CONSERVATION

            Water is an essential resource.... necessary for agriculture, industry,
            recreation, the environment, and all life. Water conservation is the
            responsibility of all users including individual homeowners. Wise
            water use is crucial to Florida's environmental health and general
            well-being. Rainfall is the only source of fresh water in central and
            southern Florida, and it is not spread evenly throughout the year.
            The demand for water is greatest during the winter months when
            rainfall is at the lowest levels. Seasonal residents swell the population
            and waves of tourists arrive during the winter. The water problem
            . compounded in the Naples/Rookery Bay area and other points
            's
            along Florida's coasts. Seasonal increases in population are greatest
            in coastal areas where fresh water is least available.


            Reducing water consumption saves money. Residents who are on
            a municipal water system pay for pumping, treating, and distributing
            water to users. Wastewater treatment bills may be based on the
            quantity of water used. People in rural areas may have good well
            water available, but they must pay for the installation, operation,
            and maintenance of a pump. Most of us use far more water than we
            need. An average Florida household uses between 60 to over 300
            gallons per person per day! By practicing water conservation, we
            can reduce the amount of water use in our homes between 30 to
            40%!
            Important ways to conserive water include thefollowing:                           Think about water
            9   Use water-saving, flow-restricting shower heads, low-flow
                faucets, toilet flushing devices, and other water-saving                    conservation before
                appliances.
            e   Reduce the amount ofwater used for flushing toilets. Place two             turning on the faucet.
                half-gallon plastic milk jugs (cleaned and partially filled with           A few simple changes
                gravel or stones to add weight) inside your toilet tank where
                they do not interfere with flushing mechanisms. The bottles                in our everyday habits
                displace a certain amount of water which refills the tank and
                cuts down the number of gallons used per flush.                            reduce water use and
            e   Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets promptly. A steady drip
                can waste as much as 20 gallons in one day, 600 gallons in one             add up to save water.
                month! Water leaking from the toilet tank into the bowl can
                waste between 200 and 500 gallons of water in one day! Check
                your toilets by adding food coloring to the tank. If color
                appears in the bowl after half an hour elapses without any
                flushing, you have a leak. Leaking faucets and toilet tanks can


                                                                                                                              5






                                                       eventually saturate the drainfield of a septic system. Worn out
                                                       faucet washers and faulty toilet valves account for 5% to 10 %
                                                       of all residential consumption.

                                                  ï¿½    Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. Use the energy and
                                                       water-saving cycles with short washes and rinses. Dishwashers
                                                       can use as much as 15 gallons of water. Water-saving cycles cut
                                                       the amount by almost half. Dishes can be pre-rinsed or soaked
          Remember the Indian                          in a stoppered sink instead of under running water.
        Proverb: The frog does                    9    Do laundry at intervals throughout the week instead of doing
                                                       several loads all at once. The greatest volume of water e;dting
                                                       a home in one surge is from the washing machine. Washers use
        not drink up the pond in                       between 30 to 50 gallons for a full load. Always turn the water
                                                       level control to the appropriate setting (low, medium, high) to
               which he lives.                         match the corresponding size load of clothes. Permanent press
                                                       cycles use an additional ten to twenty gallons of water.

                                                  ï¿½    Explore recycling "gray water". If you have a large family
                                                       requiring many wash loads, consider installing a separate gray
                                                       or dual water system for bath/shower runoff. Graywaterwaste
                                                       is non- sewage as opposed to blackwater waste from toilets and
                                                       garbage disposals.

                                                  ï¿½    Use the garbage disposal only when needed and once at the end
                                                       of meal preparation and dinner. Garbage disposals require a
                                                       large quantity of running water to operate. Garbage sorted for
                                                       the compost pile and trash collection is preferable to sending it
                                                       down the disposal.

                                                  ï¿½    Avoid running water continuously in the kitchen sink. Rinse
                                                       dishes, fruits, and vegetables in a bowl. Thaw frozen foods in a
                                                       container of cold water, in the refrigerator, the microwave, or
                                                       at room temperature. Keep a container in the refrigerator for
                                                       cool drinking water.

                                                  ï¿½    Avoid letting the water run down the drain. You can save
                                                       between 10 and 20 gallons of water by turning off the water until
                                                       it's time to rinse while brushing teeth, shaving, or shampooing.










        6






              Take shorter showers. Take a 3 gallon shower instead of a 30
              gallon shower and don't fill the bathtub so full.

          0 When dining out, inform service personnel not to bring water
              to your table unless you order it.

          e   Sweep sidewalks and driveways rather than hosing them down.

          0   W ash the car using a bucket and hose with a.shut-off nozzle.

          e   Water the lawn, garden, and plants only when needed. For
              specific recommendations, see the Watering and Irrigation
              section in the chapter FRONT YARD/BACKYARD.






































                                                                                                              7





                                                     SEPTIc TANKS

                                                     Water pollution problems associated with malfunctioning septic
                                                     systems area major problem. Septic systems are the most frequently
                                                     reported sources of groundwater contamination. There are over
                                                     one million septic systems in Florida! Prior to 1970, Collier County
                                                     had close to 7500 septic tank systems. Following 1976, new septic
                                                     tanks were installed at the rate of 1000 per year, keeping pace with
                                                     Collier County's rapid population growth. When properly designed,
                                                     installed, and maintained, septic systems can provide cost-effective
                                                     treatment of household sewage and many years of dependable
                                                     service with little adverse impact on the environment. Whenever
                                                     someone in your family showers, takes a bath, flushes the toilet,
                                                     runs the garbage disposal, runs the dishwasher, or washes a load of
                                                     clothes, wastewater leaves the house and carries along human
             Whatever is rinsed                      wastes, dirt, oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, and bacteria and
                                                     viruses. Septic systems receive, treat, and dispose of this wastewater
                                                       d all that it carries.
          down the kitchen sink                      an
                                                     Because septic systems are underground, they are often forgotten
            or flushed down the                      or ignored by many homeowners. Problems arise when normal
                                                     maintenance procedures are neglected. A failing system becomes
            toilet makes its way                     apparent when toilets and drains operate sluggishly, sewage backs
                                                     up, or foul- smelling effluent rises to the ground. In some instances,
               into the soil and                     however, a malfunctioning septic system may not show any
                                                     indications of trouble. The failure goes undetected, and the system
                groundwater or                       continues to quietly release pollutants into the groundwater.
           remains in the septic                     When a septic system malfunctions, it loses the ability to remove
                                                     pollutants and disease -carrying microorganisms from the
          tank until it is pumped                    wastewater. What follows is the pollution of groundwater and deep
                                                     wells supplying drinking water and other household needs. Surface
                          out.                       waters, near-shore areas, streams, and estuaries may also be
                                                     contaminated from leaking systems. When a septic system fails, the
                                                     homeowner is faced with plumbing back ups, overflows, and
                                                     expensive repair costs. There is also a very serious potential threat
                                                     to human health. Our domestic wastewater contains bacteria and
                                                     viruses that cause hepatitis, dysentery, and gastrointestinal infections.

                                                     Another harmful effect of leaking systems is the addition of nutrients
                                                     to surface waters. Nitrogen and phosphorus act as fertilizer, foster
                                                     excessive growth of algae and submerged aquatic weeds and
                                                     vegetation in areawaters, and disturb the natural balance of aquatic
                                                     communities. Dissolved oxygen can be used by the vegetation and
                                                     depleted to the point where fish and other aquatic creatures are
                                                     endangered. In extreme cases, fish kills result. Nitrogen in the form
                                                     of nitrate poses a significant health threat. Septic effluent carries

        8






            nitrogen in the form of ammonia, which undergoes a chemical
            reaction to form nitrate. Nitrates move through the soil and into
            surface and ground waters. If nitrates are not diluted by rainwater,
            concentrations can reach harmful levels and contaminate
            groundwater and drinking wells. Nitrates interfere with the blood's
            ability to carry oxygen and are of particular risk to infants.

            Naples is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the
            United States. As the population continues to grow, housing needs
            expand and new homes are built. The consequence of one faulty
            septic system multiplied many times over, becomes a problem of
            enormous magnitude. When added together, the cumulative effect
            of failing septic systems is absolutely devastating to water quality.

            Responsibly use and maintain your septic system:

                Know the location ofall parts ofyour septic system. Checkyour
                septic tank for accumulation of sludge and surface scum on an
                annual basis. Most licensed septic companies will do a free
                inspection as a courtesy service. Sludge and scum should be
                removed every three to five years, although some systems may
                operate satisfactorily for a longer period of time. Removing
                sludge and scum ensures an adequate volume of wastewater in
                the tank and prevents solids from clogging the soil absorption
                field.


                Keep the septic tank and adjacent soil absorption field clear.
                Heavy vehicles can'collapse drain lines and tree roots can clog
                lines. The drainfield needs to 'breathe" and should not be
                covered by any hard surface such as a patio or tennis court.
                Donotuse    Iseptic tank additives or cleaning compounds. There       Not for septic systems:
                is no evidence that yeast, bacteria, enzyme additives, and chemical   kleenex
                treatments improve the system.
                                                                                      paper towels
                Minimize or eliminate the use of the kitchen garbage disposal.        hygiene products
                Using a garbage disposal can increase the solids load to the          disposable diapers
                septic tankby as much as 50%. Never pour grease, cooking oils,        condoms
                fats, or gristle down the sink drain or through the garbage           dental floss
                disposal.. Grease should be absorbed in paper and put in the
                garbage. Solidified -fats can build up and obstruct parts of the      cigarettes
                system. A kitchen sink strainer helps reduce the amount of food       coffee grounds
                waste entering the septic tank.                                       grease
                                                                                      cat litter
                Do not use the bathroom toilet or kitchen sink as a trash can.
                Burdening a system increases maintenance and repair costs.



                                                                                                                           9






                                                      Do not pour household chemicals down the kitchen sink or
                                                      toilet. Avoid using strong detergents, solvents, and disinfectants
                                                      which can destroy the beneficial bacteria actively decomposing
                                                      sewage. Products are now labeled "safe for septic tanks". Dump
                                                      cleaning water in the yard. Use toilet paper that has not been
                                                      bleached, dyed, or perfumed.

                                                  ï¿½   Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwashing detergents,
                                                      biodegradable cleaning products, and natural substitutes that
                                                      will not damage the septic system.

                                                  ï¿½   When installing a septic system, have a state-certifled contractor
                                                      evaluate the site. Factors such as soil permeability, water table
                                                      elevation, and the size of the drainfield should be explained.

                                                  ï¿½   Evaluate'Your septic system when home water requirements
                                                      change. Older homes equipped with smaller septic systems may
                                                      not be able to handle the large amounts of water modern
                                                      appliancesuse. Increase in water use may saturate the drainfield
                                                      and force water to the soil surface. The system may need to be
                                                      enlarged.

                                                  ï¿½   Directrain runofffrom roofdownspouts and foundation drains
                                                      away from the septic system to avoid saturating the soil.
                                                      Refrain from watering the lawn orvegetation over the drainfield.

                                                  ï¿½   Conserve water and reduce water flow to the septic system.
                                                      Leaking faucets and, toilet tanks can eventually saturate the
                                                      drainfield. For more information, refer to the section Home
                                                      Water Conservation.


                                                  Signs of septic system failure:

                                                  0   Sluggish flow from drains in the house and sluggish toilet
                                                      flushes accompanied by gurgling sounds in the plumbing. If
                                                      only one drain is affected, a single clogged pipe may be
                                                      responsible. If all kitchen and bathroom drains are slow, the
                                                      problem is likely to be within the septic system.

                                                  0   Patches of lush, green grass in the yard indicate the system is
                                                      allowing effluent to rise near the surface.

                                                  CAUTION. Effluent rising to the ground. Wastewater forming
                                                      puddles on the lawn is serious. Children might play in them by
                                                      mistake. Effluent rising from trenches will appear as a gray-
                                                      black liquid flowing across the ground or into a ditch or low
                                                      spot. The liquid will be clearly visible and have an unpleasant
                                                      smell.

       10






                 Soft, spongy ground underfoot and the appearance oflow spots
                 or depressions in the soil, indicate poor drainage and soil
                 saturation. Poor drainage due to an undersized or improperly
                 installed system, one located in the wrong kind of soil, or a
                 drastic increase in water use may be responsible for drainfield
                 failure.


                 Noticeable odors inside or outside the house and plumbing
                 back ups indicate septic system problems.

             Note: I-Egh water tables are prevalent in Florida, and they can
                 impede drainage. If the groundwater moves into the soil
                 absorption system, effluent can be forced up towards the surface
                 before pollutants and organisms are removed, or the wastewater
                 can be carried along with the groundwater and travel long
                 distances from the absorption area. It is essential that sufficient
                 depth of soil exist between the bottom of the drainfield trench
                 and the seasonal high water table.


             Resource: For a detailed explanation of how a properly functioning
             septic tank system works, refer to the Appendix.





                                                 AUTO CARE

                                                 Water pollution problems are associated with automotive
                                                 maintenance. Many automotive maintenance products and cleaning
                                                 compounds contain hydrocarbons and other chemicals which can
                                                                          cause water pollution problems. Even in
                                                                          small quantities, oil can severely damage
                                                                          the aquatic environment and wreck hav
                                                                                                                     oc


                           ..........
                           . . . . . . . . . . .                          on fish, invertebrates, mammals, and birds.
                                                                          Approximately25% of a car owners change
                                                                          their own oil. According to the Department
                                                                          of Environmental Regulation, this accounts
                                                                          for approximately 180 to 200 million gallons
                                                                          of used oil annually. Only 10% to 14% of
                                                                          this amount is disposed of properly. It is
                               .. . .. .. ...
                                                                          estimated that 62% of all petroleum-related
                                                                          pollution in the United States including oil
                                                                          spills in coastal waterways, is used lube oil
                                                                          which eventually works its way into the
                           M
                                                                          ocean environment.


                                                 Each year in Florida alone, an estimated 7 million gallons of used
                                                 oil are disposed of improperly! The used oil may end up down a
                                                 storm drain, poured over a gravel road with the misguided intention
                                                 of keeping the dust down, thrown in the garbage, or just discarded
                                                 in a remote area on the outskirts of town. This oil may end up in a
                                                 nearby waterbody, it may leach into g'roundwater, or it maybecome
                                                 a source of pollution in stormwater runoff. The four to six quarts
                                                 of oil from one oil change are capable of producing an eight-acre oil
                                                 slick. Films of oil on the surface of a body of water prevent the
                                                 replenishment of dissolved oxygen, block sunlight, and impair
        Auto Pollutants:                         photosynthetic processes. A single quart of oil has the capacity to
                                                 contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking water. Individuals who
                                                 dispose of used oil by pouring it down a storm sewer are sending oil
        oil and gasoline                         into coastal waters. The U.S Coast Guard estimates that sewage
        battery acid                             treatment plants discharge twice as much oil (15 million gallons per
        antifreeze                               year) into coastal waters as do tanker accidents (7.5 million gallons
        transmission fluid                       per year). It just makes good sense to recycle used oil. Refining
        brake fluid                              used oil takes only 113 the amount of energy that refining crude oil
        rust preventative                        to lubricant quality requires.
        degreasers                               Oil is only one factor. More than 13,000 leaking underground fuel
        car waxes                                tanks have been reported in Florida since 1986! In a five coun
                                                 group including Collier, there are more than 900 leaking gasoli e
                                                 storage tanks. Water pollution problems may arise from t e
                                                 improper use or disposal of other auto products. Another water
                                                 quality problem associated with vehicles has to do with heavy

        12






            metals. Such heavy metals as lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, and
            chromium are found in the tires, brake systems, and hydraulic fluids
            of cars, trucks, and buses. These metals, along with oil and grease,
            appear as dark streaks on the road, and are washed off area
            highways in stormwater runoff after a hard rain. Cars and trucks
            also pollute water indirectly through exhaust emissions. Lead and
            hydrocarbon pollutants exiting a vehicle's exhaust system eventually
            settle and are carried away from the road as runoff. Heavy metals
            become amassed in the bottom sediments of our streams and
            estuaries causing adverse impacts to aquatic life as well as               Never pour oil down a
            contaminating the water.
            Specifics tofollow in automobile maintenance:                                      storm drain.
            0   Keep your vehicle in good operating order. Drive a fuel-              Recycling used oil and
                efficient car that uses unleaded gas and keep the engine well-           antifreeze is a must.
                tuned to limit pollutant emissions.

            *   Check the conditions of belts and hoses. Replace hoses before
                they develop cracks and repair fluid leaks immediately.

            *   Never discard oil or other automotive chemicals in a careless
                manner. Used oil should be taken in a labeled container to a
                hazardous waste collection center, a county recycling station, or
                to a local service station that recycles oil.

            CAUTION: Antifreeze/engine coolant contains ethylene glycol, a
                compound toxic to humans, fish, and wildlife. It poses a special
                threat to pets. Cats and dogs that encounter a puddle of
                antifreeze, are likely to lap up the sweet-tasting liquid and die.
                Used antifreeze goes to a hazardous waste collection center, a
                radiator specialist, or to a garage with an antifreeze storage
                drum.


            o   Wash your car only when necessary. Use non-phosphate or
                very low- phosphate, biodegradable, mild soaps or detergents.

            o   Use a bucket, sponge, and a hose with a pistol grip nozzle. This
                kind of shut-off nozzle produces high pressure, uses a low
                volume of water, and is easily attached to any standard garden
                hose.


            0   Hosing down the car and washing it in sections, followed by a
                quick final rinse conserves water and limits surface runoff.
                Commercial car washes use water efficiently, recycle water, and
                dispose of runoff properly.



                                                                                                                           13







                                                    Homeowners with large expanses of yard, can wash the car on
                                                    the lawn and water the grass at the same time. Avoid parking
                                                    near the septic tank system.


                                                 Resource: Refer to the Appendix for the location of oil and battery
                                                 recycling facilities.





                                                 PETS


                                                 "Curb Your Dog", once the customary rule to follow when walking
                                                 the family dog, is no longer considered to be acceptable behavior
          Keep animal wastes                     because of potential water problems associated with animal wastes.
                                                 Carried by stormwater runoff, the untreated animal wastes
         out of Florida waters.                  contaminate surface waters with the nutrients nitrogen and
                                                 phosphorus and with bacteria and viruses. In urban areas, surface
                                                 runoff flushes petwastes off sidewalks, streets, andgutters into storm
                                                 drains and ditches, then carries the wastes into surface waters. Urban
                                                 ponds, lakes, and wetlands can be contaminated by wastes from
                                                 Muscovy ducks and other waterfowl. In rural areas, keeping large
                                                 farm animals such as cows and horses, requires the proper
                                                 management of manure so that it is not carried into nearby streams
                                                 by runoff.

                                                 Help keep our surface waters clean:

                                                 0  Clean up afteryour pet. Pickup wastes and dispose of them in the
                                                    trash. Use a "pooper scooper" when walking the dog on a paved
                                                    surface.


                                                 0  Bury wastes at least 6 to 8 inches below the soil surface and away
                                                    from surface waters.


                                                 0  Flush wastes down the toilet, if doing so won't stress a septic
                                                    system.

                                                 0  People who keep horses and other large animals should store
                                                    manure on higher dry ground and spread manure at least 100
                                                    feet away from waterbodies.

                                                    Refrain from feeding domestic ducks, waterfowl, and wildlife in
                                                    city parks and urban wetlands.

      14





            Awmuums

            The presence of non-native plants and animals is
            another serious problem of Florida waters.
            Florida's sub-tropical climate, 2.6 million acres
            of inland waterways, thriving aquarium trade,
            and cattle ranches resulted in the introduction of
            exotic aquatic plants into state waters.      In the
            absence of native biological controls, these plants
            spread aggressively, displaced native species, and
            are controlled at great economic cost.

            The aquarium plant, hydrilla, is now part of the
            Florida flora, having spread throughout the state                                                 . . . . . . . . . . .
            during the 1960's. A freshwater vascular plant,
            hydrilla grows rooted from the bottom or drifts
            in the water. It blocks navigation, depletes o    en,
            and leads to deterioration of fisheries. Hydrilla and other aquatic
            plants became illegal to possess after state legislation was enacted in
            1969. The importation, transportation, cultivation, collection,
            possession and retail sales of aquatic plants are prohibited without
            first obtaining a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.
            Other problem aquarium herbs include the sprawling hygrophila and
            limnophila, which grow in the water and along banks.

            Water hyacinth and water lettuce are floating aquatic plants which
            form dense rafts in the water and mud. The mats interfere with the
            passage of light and the diffusion of oxygen into the water, shading
            out and eventually killing beneficial submerged vegetation. Torpedo
            grass, planted throughout Florida as pasture forage, is another
            problem species. It grows in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats
            where it forms large mats.

            Exotic and/or tropical fish can present problems, too. The Nile perch
            and peacock bass are a problem for native sport fishes as they
            compete aggressively for bedding sites. The impact of the notorious
            walking catfish is not yet known.                                               Non-native aquarium
            Help keep Florida watersfree of exotic species                                 plants and animals do
                Never empty an aquarium into a stream, canal, or any other body             not belong in Florida
                of water. Aquarium plants clog waterways and impede the flow
                of water. Aquarium fish may displace native fishes. Fish may be                        waters.
                returned to pet stores.

            Resource: Refer to the Appendix for aquatic plant control
            information.

                                                                                                                                15





                                               POOLS

                                               Many Florida residents  enjoy the pleasures of a backyard swimming
                                               pool. Pools require substantial chemical treatment, particularly
                                               chlorine, to keep the water bacteria-free. Chlorine and other pool
                                               maintenance chemicals should never be drained directly into a street
       Keep chlorine and pool                  or waterbody.
             chemicals out of                  Follow these precautions when draining swimming pools:
              Florida waters.                  9  Drain your pool only when necessary. Never drain a pool when
                                                  water restrictions are in place.

                                               ï¿½  Allow pool water to stand for several days without any new
                                                  addition of chemicals before draining, as chlorine dissipates
                                                  rapidly.

                                               ï¿½  Drain the pool slowly over a large expanse ofyard. The water can
                                                  filter evenly down through the ground and be absorbed by the
                                                  soil.


                                               ï¿½  Swimming pool chemicals and containers should be taken to a
                                                  hazardous waste collection center.


































      16





             Mt-I.ONT YARD
            K-ACK YARD

            Stormwater runoff is responsible for more than half of Florida's
            waterpollution! It is a problem in both urban and rural communities.
            Urbanization brings paved roads, buildings, parking lots, tennis
            courts, homesi and driveways. Rain cannot soak into these hard
            surfaces, but pollutants can accumulate on them. The pollutant            A county Principal Environmental
            load is large and includes oils and heavy metals from cars and trucks,    Planner        teaches          Native
            chemicals used in lawn care and agriculture, a flush of nutrients         Landscaping in a community adult
            from septic systems, sewers, and storm drains, and sediments, litter,     education program. By using
            and other suspended solids from streets and construction sites.           native plants, homeowners
            During hard rains, stormwater runoff and all that it carries is           conserve water and keep surface
            flushed out to Florida's coastal waters via creeks, canals, and weir      and ground waters free of fertilizer
            systems. Aside from environmental impacts, there are economic             and pesticides.
            impacts. When natural and engineered systems are unable to safely
            carry and store flood waters, property damage may result.
            Storinwater pollution may close shellfishing, fisheries suffer, and
            the cost of providing clean drinking water increases.

            In the past, areas of scrub, pine flatwoods, and cypress forest were
            more extensive throughout Florida and Collier County. Runoff
            moved in wide sheet flow patterns following the natural contours of
            the land. Vegetated areas allowed rainwater to soak gradually intc
            the ground where it filtered through soils, recharged groundwater,
            or freshened stagnant surface waters of wetlands and was taken
            up by plants or slowly evaporated.

            Rapid population growth accompanied by continued urbanization
            interferes with natural drainage processes. We have all
            experienced driving through flooded areas after a torrential
            summer downpour. All of this water must go somewhere .... into
            a drainage ditch along the side of a road, down a storm drain into
            a sewer system, and into creeks or canals which eventually empty
            into estuaries, bays, and the Gulf.

            Althoughwe may thinkthat land use management and stormwater
             anagement are the responsibility of city and county governments,
            what we do in our yards, on our driveways, and in our gardens
            in

            directly impacts water quality and the health of our lakes, creeks,
            and estuaries. Our everyday outdoor activities may contribute to
            stormwater pollution. A thorough examination of a home's
            exterior, driveway, yard and landscaped areas after a hard rain
            may reveal problems of drainage, soil erosion, or rapid runoff.
            Howweplan ourhomes, landscape ourproperty, andcare for our

                                                                                                                            17







                                                  lawns and gardens can greatly reduce surface runoff and help keep
                                                  surface runoff clean. Creative landscaping has both environmental
                                                  and economic benefits. In addition to filtering rainwater and
                                                  preventing erosion, it cleans the air and minimizes dust. By providing
                                                  natural cooling, it reduces electricity and utility maintenance bills.
                                                  Landscape screening increases privacy and reduces noise pollution.
                                                  It provides habitat for wildlife and supports natural communities.
                                                  Finally, creative landscaping provides beautiful green spaces for
                                                  family use and enhances the appearance, liveability, and the value
                                                  of home and property.














         Being environmentally

       healthy does not always

             mean having the

          greenest yard on the

                      block!






             LAwNAND LANDSCAPE

             Cutting the grass too short, overwatering, and using too many
             fertilizers and pesticides are the most common mistakes in yard
             care. A manicured, weed-free, emerald green lawn is not always
             environmentally sound.

             Adopt a sensible lawn care program and landscape plan:

             o   Limit the amount of lawn. Trees, shrubs, ground cover, and
                 other native vegetation absorb many times more rainfall and
                 require less maintenance than a mowed lawn.

             *   Avoid cutting the grass too short. Increased blade height avoids
                 stressing the grass and allows the development of a deeper root        Common Natives:
                 system. Adjust frequency of mowing to the time of year, the
                 amount of rainfall, and how high the grass has grown. The              Trees
                 general recommendation is to mow so that no more than 113 of
                 the blade height is removed with each mowing.                          live oak
             o   Leave grass cuttings on the lawn. Grass cuttings quickly               laurel oak
                 decompose and are a natural fertilizer returning nitrogen to the       slash pine
                 soil. Be aware that chemically treated lawns slow the decay            cabbage palm
                 process.                                                               buttonwood

             o   Keep your lawn mower serviced. Dull blades do not cut
                 properly and weaken the grass, making it susceptible to pests.         Shrubs
                 Dense, healthy grass eliminates weeds and the need for
                 herbicides.                                                            wax myrtle
             o   Landscape around your home and throughout the yard.                    myrsine
                 Strategically planted vegetation will promote water infiltration       sea grape
                 into the soil. Plants soften the impact of rain and their roots take   COCOPIUM
                 up water. Leaf debris, mulch, grass clippings, and other decaying      lantana
                 organic matter recycle nutrients, build up the organic content of      firebush
                 the soil, and improve the capacity of the soil to retain moisture.     silver buttonwood

                 Preserve existing native vegetation. Established natural plant
                 communities are self-maintaining and providebenefits including         Ground Covers
                 shade, storm and erosion protection, and visual screening.
                 Landscaping can easily complement existing native vegetation.          leather fern
                                                                                        coontie
                 Consider native plants when designing a landscape. Plants that         beach sunflower
                 grow naturally in Florida are heat, drought, salt tolerant, and
                 pestresistant. Native specieswithstand common disease, weather         sea oxeye
                 the occasional cold spell, and eliminate the need for extensive        woodbine
                 watering and the use of chemicals.                                     gaillardia

                                                                                                                              19






                                                    Remove invasive exotic plants. Brazilian pepper, Australian
                                                    pine, and melaleuca grow rapidly, overtake habitat, and prevent
                                                    the recovery of disturbed land and ecosystems.

                                                    Recycle unused horticultural waste. Dispose of grass clippings,
                                                    leaves, palm fronds, and tree and shrub trimmings on designated
                                                    yard waste collection days. Horticultural debris accounts for
                                                    about 15% of all wastes disposed of in Collier County. Solid
                                                    Waste processes these materials into a weed-free natural mulch
                                                    which is available at all Collier County waste facilities free of
                                                    charge.

                                                    Use a professional lawn care service with a customized service
                                                    to meet your lawn and landscape needs. The service should use
                                                    fertilizers and pesticides as needed, not on a mass-production
                                                    base with a set number of treatments to deal with potential
                                                    problems.

































      20






               WATERINGAND IRRIGATION
                                                                                                                                                          21
               Landscapes can demand as much as 50% of the
               waterused in home consum             tion. Water-efficient
                                                  
               landscaping practices must be adopted now. Wise
               water use helps to avert emergency water
               conditions.


               Practice water conservation through
               creative landscaping.

                    Arrange plants in groups according to their
                    cultural needs. Know the conditions of a
                                                              Plant native
                    plant's natural community.
                    species that exhibit wide latitude in adaptation
                    to different conditions.


                    Water only as needed, instead of on a fixed schedule. Heavy
                    summer rains revive lawns overnight. During the fall and winter
                    when there are periods of infrequent rain or cool, cloudy
                    weather, water once every two or three weeks if at all.

                    Irrigate in the early morning, late evening, or during the night
                    to avoid hot sun and a strong breeze. Water is lost to evaporation
                    or scattered by wind during the day. 
                                                                																HOW TO
                    Direct water sprinklers away from paved areas such as streets,                                                                                                                                    qC4qU
                    sidewalks, and driveways.                                                                                  			Irrigating Efficiently
																								Sprinklers and pop-up spray heads
                                                                                                                               			which cover larger areas are best for
                                                																lawns.  Soaker hoses can be used in                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                 			narrow areas such as borders and
                    Turn off automatic watering systems during periods of heavy                                                                 areas of ground cover.  Low volume                                                           6qAqr             a re 0q6qp
                    rains.                                                                                                                      drips are suitable for areas where  
                  																					annuals are planted.  Micro-jets and
                                                                                                                                                bubblers can be used to water
                                                                                                                              			individual trees and shrubs.  Water
                                                                                                                                                is kept at the base of the plant so the
                                                                                                                                                root zone is soaked.  Bubblers are
                    Explore new technology. Super-absorbent water polymers											      also useful in smaller areas around                                                                                                           
                    form a transparent gel, capture gravitational water from rain or                                                            ptios and pools.
                                                                                                            
                                                                                                             
                    sprinklers, and absorb many times their own weight in water                                      
                                                                                                                                              
                    releasing it to plants as the soil dries out.                                                                      
                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                        
                    Avoid overwatering the lawn. Water the yard when the grass
                                                                                                                    
                    fades to a dull blue-gray. Soak the grass and soil in the root zone,                                    
                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                             
                    not just the top of the blades. Frequent light sprinklings can
                                                                                                                                     
                    cause shallow rooting and open the yard to disease pathogens.
                                                                                                                
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                               

                    Observe water use restrictions which are administered through
                    local municipal and county government agencies.




                                                                                                                                                          21
 





                                                                              HOW TO


                                                    Grouping Plants By Water Need

                                                    Create a watcr-wisc landscape by planning the following zones:

                                                    1) a very low water zone where native and drought tolerant
                                                    plants thrive with no irrigation. Watering is needed for a limited
                                                    time to establish new plantings. Existing native vegetation is
                                                    included here. 2) a low water zone where plants occasionally
                                                    require irrigation. Watering is needed only during extended
                                                    drought. Plants in this zone can survive for a long time without
                                                    rainfall. A mulched/planted border around a house is an example
                                                    of a lowwater zone. 3) a moderatewater zonewhich is functional,
                                                    limited in size, and easily maintained. Lawn is one of the main
                                                    parts of this zone. 4) a zone where plants that need more
                                                    frequent irrigation are grouped closely together including smaller
                                                    areas such as vegetable gardens, flower beds, and fruit trees. 5)
                                                    zones with specific sets of conditions. Examples include areas
                                                    with sandy soils, terrain where water drains off rapidly, and areas
                                                    of the yard that are too far to reach with irrigation devices. Areas
                                                    of poor drainage or low wet areas should be planted with trees,
                                                    shrubs, and ground covers that thrive in wet soils.
























       22






                                           HOW TO


                Watering The Lawn
                Water lawnsby applying3/4 to 1 inch of waterper irrigation. This
                will moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. To determine how
                long it takes your sprinkler to deliver one inch of water, place
                several cans at spaced intervals in the spray pattern and run the
                system until the water levcl in the cans averages one inch. To
                water efficiently and for a more exact calibration, follow these
                steps: 1) For hose-end sprinklers, set 5 to 10 cans (3 to 6 inches
                in diameter) out at equally spaced intervals in a line from the
                sprinkler to the far edge of the water pattern. For in-the-ground
                systems, place the cans at random within one zone and repeat for
                each zone. 2) Turn on the water for 15 minutes. 3) Measure the
                depth of water in each container to the nearest eighth- of-an
                inch. 4) Calculate the average depth of water by adding up the
                sum of all the depths and dividing by the total number of cans.
                5) Multiply the average depth of water by 4 to determine the
                irrigation rate in inches per hour. This is the amount of water
                soaking into the soil in one hour. Use the table as a reference for
                how long your sprinklers should run. If your system operates at
                a rate of 1 inch per hour and you want to apply 3/4 of-an-inch of
                water, you would have to turn it on for about 45 minutes.

                                 Irrigation Rate (inches per hour)

                                                  1/211    111     11/2" 2"


                Amount of water                   Time in minutes to run each zone
                to be applied

                1/4"                              30       15      10      8


                1/2"                              60       30      20      15


                3/4"                              90       45      30      23


                                                  120      60      40      30













                                                                                                                                     23





                                                                      EROSIONAND SEDIMENTS


                                                                      Stormwater runoff carries sediment loads from
                                                                      construction sites and eroding stream banks into
                                                                      our estuaries. The resulting turbidity stresses the
                                                                      seagrass community as sediments muddy the
                                                     . . . . . . . . . . . .water, block sunlight, and settle'on grass beds.

                                                                      Help prevent soil erosion b       addressing the
       OWN-`
                                                                      following.

                                                                          Land adjacent to a home should slope away
                                                                      from it. This prevents water from seeping through
                                                                      the foundation.


                                                                          Disperse rainwater from the roof of a house
                                                                      with eave troughs and drain spouts. Install
                                                       Dutch drains (gravel-filled seepage pits) at the base of a
                                                       downspout to drain water into the soil for gradual infiltration.
                                                       Plant a dense ground cover in problem areas.

                                                   ï¿½   Plant ground covers where soil is exposed and re-sod bare
                                                       patches in the yard.

                                                   ï¿½   Mulch the exposed soil of heavily trafficked areas. Mulch
                                                       gardens, flower beds, and shaded areas with organic leavings
                                                       such as straw, grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and melaleuca
                                                       wood chips.

                                                   ï¿½   Cover exposed soil or small mounds ofdirt with a tarp. Contain
                                                       larger piles of dirt from landscaping and construction activities
                                                       with bales of hay, screening, or a filter cloth fence.
















        24





            PERMEABLE. PAVEMENTS

            Hard, paved surfaces force rainwater to run off at very fast rates.
            Erosion, flooding, and stormwater pollution are recurring problems.

            Help reduce surface runoff.

            9   Limit the amount of paved surfaces around your home.

            o   Consider alternatives to slab concrete when planning or
                replacing a driveway or walk. Pre-cast concrete lattice facilitates
                soil stabilization and permeability allowing slow filtration of
                rain.


            *   Consider the use of interlocking pavers. Water drains between
                the stones and down through the ground as no binder is used.
                Refer to Paving in the yellow pages of the telephone directory.









                                                                                      Permeable Alternatives:


                                                                                      porous asphalt
                                                                                      interlocking pavers
                                                                                      bricks and tiles
                                                                                      flat stones
                                                                                      wooden decks
                                                                                      crushed shells
                                                                                      bark chips











                                                                                                                           25





                                                    CONTOURING,TERRACING,AND
                                                    INFILTRA'nONDEVICES

                                                    Contouring, terracing, and infiltration devices shouldbe considered
                                                    in areas where stormwater runoff is a problem. Rainwater that is
                                                    captured, spread, and allowed to infiltrate the soil slowly loses its
                                                    erosive force. It is important to watch where runoff is directed to
                                                    be sure that it does not become a neighbor's problem.

                                                    Control stormwater runoff and reduce erosion:

                                                       Use a swale and berm system to slow down runoff or move
                                                       excess water from one area to another. Swales are low
                                                       depressions that collect water. Berms are ridges bordering the
                                                       swales; which direct water into and through them.

                                                       Channel rainwater across the natural contours of a slope
                                                       instead'of down. The soil can absorb more water and
                                                       susceptibility to drought is decreased.

                                                    ï¿½  A subsurface drainage system may be the answer to extreme
                                                       drainage problems that cannot be corrected by using a swale
                                                       and berm system or contouring.

                                                    ï¿½  Use a series of terraces to promote gradual absorption over a
                                                       wider area by distributing runoff in a fan pattern across
                                                       terrain.


                                                    ï¿½  Consider installing a gravel-lined detention basin to hold
                                                       runoff. Soil filtration is gradual. Be aware of limiting conditions
                                                       which can lead to saturation, poor drainage, and standing
                                                       surface water including compacted soil, clay hardpan, a short
                                                       depth (1 to 2 feet) to bedrock, or a seasonally high water table.














        26






             GARDENING

             Gardening in southwest Florida can be something of a challenge.
             Having to deal with sterile sandy soils, nematodes, and wilting heat
             can lead to overfertilization, reliance on pesticides, and overwatering.

             Basics to follow for successfid gardening include:

             9   Select an appropriate location for your garden. A good site
                 should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis,
                 be located close to a source of water for irrigation purposes, and
                 have good natural drainage.

             e   Analyze the soil. Determine the soil pH, organic content, and
                 the texture which affects water absorption and drainage. The
                 pH of a soil influences the availability of nutrients to plants and
                 the activity of soil microorganisms. An ideal pH range in sandy
                 soil is between pH 5.5 and 6.3. If soil is too acidic, powdered
                 dolomitic limestone can be added to raise pH. If soil is too basic,
                 garden fertilizers containing essential micro-nutrients can be
                 used. If the soil has a naturally, high pH, grow plants that can
                 tolerate alkaline conditions.


             9   Develop a garden plan based on the different growing seasons.
                 Spring is preferable for many vegetables. Southern species and
                 tropicals flourishing in damp heat continue a garden through
                 the summer. Vegetables that thrive in colder weather should be
                 planted in fall and winter.

             9   Prepare soil thoroughly by adding topsoil, a soil mix, and
                 organic materials. Mulch, compost, grass cuttings, and other
                 organic matter should be mixed into the soil at least a month
                 before planting. Well-composted materials can be applied
                 when planting.

             o   Use mulch in gardening and for other landscaping needs.
                 Mulch, a layer of organic material applied to the soil surface,
                 protects plant roots from extremes of heat, cold, and drought.
                 Mulch retains soil moisture, discourages the growth of weeds,
                 slows erosion, and helps prevent soil compaction. Mulching
                 materials include vegetable trimmings, moldyfruit, grass cuttings,
                 wood chips, and a layer of newspaper minus the glossy inserts.






                                                                                                                             27







                                                                      Control nematodes by raising              the organic content of the soil.
                                                                      Organic matter encourages a population of beneficial insects,
                                                                      worms, bacteria and fungi which discourages nematodes. In
                                                                      severe cases, pest populations can be reduced through soil
                                                                      fumigation or soil solarization. In solarization, the garden lot is
                                                                      prepared, raked over, and covered with a clear plastic sheet for
                                                                      one month or more. Heat from the sun penetrates the earth and
                                                                      destroys the nematodes.







                                                                                             HOW TO


                                                                		Home Composing
												Composits organicfertilizer manufactured by mixing organic materials
												such as kitchen scraps (no meats, bones, dairy products, or fats) and
												non-woody yard wastes with topsoil, manure, fish scrapts, and
												biodegradable paper.  Benefits are a continual source of oranic
												materials for mulch and recycling as an alternative to landfill disposal.
												Composing can be as simple as building a heap ( 3 x 3 x 3 feet
												minimally) in a corner of the yard or more complex using a series of
												turning units or a barrel composter which tumbles the waste for
												aeration.  Compositing can be speeded up by shredding wastes, achieving
												a good carbon to nitrogen ratio through mixing wastes high in carbon
												(paper, straw, leaves, woodchips, saw dust) with wastes high in nitrogen
												(food scraps, grass cuttings, manure), providing adequate moisture
												(damp sponge consistency), and adequate aeration (sufficient air
												passage) throughout the pile.  Turning on a weekly basis can prevent
												the pile from being smothered so that bad odors don't develop.





















          28
 





             FERULIZERS

             Serious water problems result from application of synthetic fertilizers
             to lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. Approximately two million
             tons of fertilizers are applied in Florida every year! Plants can only
             use a certain percentage of what is applied leaving excess fertilizer
             tobewashed awayby storinwater runoff into areawaters. Fertilizers
             containing nitrogen and phosphorus end up feeding our streams
             and estuaries as well as our lawns and gardens. A creek, canal, or
             pond enriched by nutrient pollution can be suffocated by excessive
             growth of vegetation and dense blooms of algae. The rapid
               ushrooming of vegetation disrupts the balance of aquatic
             communities and stresses fish and other aquatic organisms by
             M

             robbing them of vital oxygen, sometimes to the point of kills.

             Fertilizer that is not washed off the surface of the yard or leached
             from the soil during a hard rain, percolates downward into the
             groundwater. Nitrate concentrations can build up, contaminate
             drinking wells, and seriously threaten human health. Other
             problems related to overfertilization include the accumulation of
             inorganic chemical residues in the soil, the decline of humus
             content and soil microorganisms, and soil deterioration.

             Fertilize wisely:

             ï¿½   Feed the soil, not the plant; build your garden's soil. Know
                 what your soil requires before applying fertilizer. Monitorsoil
                 fertility by testing on a regular basis, and don't fertilize if it isn't
                 necessary.

             ï¿½   Use the minimal amount of fertilizer required. Overfertilization
                 can damage roots, cause excessive top growth, burn lawns, and
                 lead to water pollution problems.

             ï¿½   Read labels carefully. Select a fertilizer that has little or no
                 phosphorus and approximately 60% of the nitrogen in slow-
                 release water insoluble form.            Be wary of words such as
                 "natural"and "organic". Some organic fertilizers have too high
                 a content of phosphorus for watershed nutrient control
                 standards.











                                                                                                                                    29







                                                   0   Fertilize during the dry season, generally from October to May.

                                                   0   Avoid applying fertilizer on windy days, prior to a forecast of
                                                       heavy rains, or near paved surfaces. Sweep up spilled fertilizer
                                                       so it doesn't wash off in the next rain.


                                                   0   Never apply fertilizer within 50 feet of a waterbody.

                                                   0   Use fertilizer according to package instructions. Never use a
                                                       fertilizer formulated specifically for gardens on the lawn or vice
                                                       versa. Fertilizer is generally applied when the soil is moist.
                                                       Watering lightly helps it sink into the root zone.





































        30






             PESUCIDES

             The use of pesticides has created another set of environmental
             problems. Home gardeners use more pesticides per square foot in
             their gardens than farmers do in their fields! Pesticides are polluting
             our streams, lakes, and aquatic ecosystems. Chlorinated
             hydrocarbons and other chemicals are produced to resist breaking
             down under normal conditions. After application they may be
             leached from the soil through precipitation or carried off the
             surface by runoff.

             Chemicals formulated to kill specific organisms regarded as pests
             have unintentionally killed or damaged other plant and animal
             species. The insecticide DDT was commonly used throughout the
             United States until the late 1960's. Now banned, DDT washed into
             waterbodies and entered aquatic food chains. Bald eagles that
             ingested contaminated fish were unable to nest successfully.

             Insecticides used to control specific pest populations may end up
             killing predatory spiders, insects, and other beneficial organisms
             which could have controlled the pest population naturally. Other
             problems resulting from widespread pesticide use include the
             development of resistance to pesticides and resurgence by a pest
             population, secondary pest outbreaks in which a non-target organism
             becomes a pest, and accidental poisoning by swallowing, inhalation,
             and absorption through the skin.

             Although DDT and other dangerous pesticides (Chlordane,
             Lindane, Dieldrin, etc.) have been banned or are under strict
             regulation, information on pesticide toxicity is limited The
             Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the registration
             of pesticides. Detailed examination of data on short-term and long-
             term environmental impacts, health, and safety is a continuing
             process. The availability of a product at your local hardware store
             or garden center does not guarantee that it has undergone a
             thorough evaluation.

             Integrated Pest Management reduces pesticide use:

             9 Buy disease and pest-resistant varieties of plants.

             e Time planting with an awareness of insect life cycles. It is
                possible to avoid specific pests and peak infestations. Keep
                records of dates when problems occur for reference.




                                                                                                                           31






                                                   ï¿½  Avoid monoculture gardening techniques. Spot planting or
                                                      growing a certain type of plant in several sections of the garden
                                                      can allay total destruction if pests move in.

                                                   ï¿½  Use intercroppingor planting alternate rows ofcomplementary
                                                      plants. Planting herbs between vegetables will attract beneficial
                                                      insects that prey on pests. Examples are herbs belonging to the
                                                      mint family and some members of the carrot family.

                                                   ï¿½  Use mixed or companion planting to discourage insect pests.
                                                      Some herbs and flowers can be used as borders to effectively
                                                      repel insect pests.

                                                   ï¿½  Use rotation. Shifting the growing locations of vegetables
                                                      inhibits the stabilization of pest populations. Giving the land a
                                                      rest helps reduce fertilizer use, too. Divide the garden into
                                                      sections and leave one part fallow.

                                                   ï¿½  Include perennial beds and mulched paths in your garden plan
                                                      as habitat for pest-eating critters. Allow annuals and perennials
                                                      to go to seed before pruning them to provide food and cover.

                                                   ï¿½  Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover of varying heights to
                                                      accommodate birds, lizards, toads, and other wildlife. Diversity
                                                      is apart of the stability of natural systems. A balanced ecosystem
                                                      will include natural enemies as a check on the explosion of pest
                                                      populations and the overexpansion of all species.

                                                   ï¿½  Encourage the presence of beneficial insects by growing a
                                                      number ofinsect-attracting plants thatwill provide both nectar
                                                      and larval food. Dragonflies, ladybugs, and green lacewings are
                                                      helpful. Spiders are voracious predators. Caterpillars are
                                                      parasitized by some species of wasps. Have patience as there
                                                      will generallybe some lag time between the appearance of a pest
                                                      population and the point when natural enemies move in. Any
                                                      measures taken prior to their arrival should not kill off the
                                                      natural predators.

                                                   ï¿½  Use physical barriers and mechanical. means to prevent and
                                                      control pests. Cover seedlings with a fine mesh cloth or wrap
                                                      aluminum foil around the plant base. Wes and aphids are
                                                      knocked off with a burst of water from the garden hose.
                                                      Homemade traps can be made by collecting leaves of the plant
                                                      to which the target insect is attracted. Flat wooden boards
                                                      placed on the ground next to plants can end a slug problem.




        32







                    Care for your garden. A properly watered and fertilized garden
                    is less susceptible to disease or pest infestation. Keep the garden
                    and yard free of insect-attracting debris such as fallen fruits and
                    vegetables, old sacks, baskets, and other rubbish. Remove pots,
                    watering cans, and other containers which hold water as they
                    are breeding places for mosquitoes.

                    Inspect the garden at least twice a week for insect damage.
                    Examining seedlings and plants early each morning for potential
                    problems can prevent a major infestation. Remove egg clusters,                                        HOW TO
                    larvae, and adult pests by hand. For assistance in identification
                    or control recommendations, take a specimen of the pest or
                    evidence of its damage to the Collier County Extension Service.                          Using "Safe" Pesticides
                                                                                                             Natural insecticides derived from plants
                                                                                                             can be used.  Pyrethrum, derived from                            
                   Use biological controls WITH CAUTION. Bacillus thuringiensis                              the chrysanthemum, should only be
                                                                                                             sprayed directly on the pest as it is non-
                    (BT) kills leaf-eating caterpillars by paralyzing the digestive                          discriminatory and will kill beneficial
                                                                                                             insects as well as harmful species.           
       tract, but is not appropriate for use in areas where butterflies							 Quassia, derived from the bark of the
                                                                                                             Picrasma quassidoes tree, is evvective
                    are attracted. Synthesized hormones can be used to alter the					 against sawfly, leaf miners, and soft-
                                                                                                             bodied aphids and caterpillars.  One of
                                                                                                             the safest botanical insecticides, Quassia
                    growth, development, and reproduction of an insect.                                      doesn't harm bees, ladybugs and other                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "good" insects.  Other low-toxicity
                    Use chemical pesticides only as a last resort. Pesticides labeled				 pesticides include mild soap solutions
                                                                                                             such as Ivory liquid.  Insecticidal soap
                                                                                                             has a potassium salt base which destroys
																             pest membranes.  Soaps should be		
																	       applied directly on the insects and are
                    "CAUTION" are less toxic than those labeled "WARNING                                     effective against aphids, mealy bugs
                                                                                                             scale, white flies and red spider mites.
                                                                                                             Homemade plant sprays such as table
                    which are less toxic than those labeled "DANGER". Safer						 salt spray, tomato leaf spray and other
                                                                                                             recipes using a variety of ingredients
                    insecticidal soap and dormant oil sprays are less toxic than                             (onion, garlic, hot peppers, pungent
                                                                                                             herbs) can all be tried.  Effectiveness
                                                                                                             will vary.  Consult an orgnaic gardening
                    conventional synthetic pesticides. Choose synthetic pyrethroids                          reference for more information.
                    over organophosp hate- or carbamatc-based products.                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                             
                    Pyrethroids remain in the environment for a shorter time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                    Treat all pesticides as potential poisons. Follow directions and                               
                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                             
                    safety precautions. Refer to the Household Chemicals section                                                                             
                                                                                                            
                    and the Household Hazardous Waste Chart for more                                                                                         
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                            
                    Apply pesticides in late afternoon or early evening to avoid                             
                                                                                                           
                    killing bees and other pollinators. Stop applications during                            
                    harvesting season.                                                                       
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                  
                    Never apply pesticides near wells, streams, canals, marshes, or                                                  
                    other bodies of water unless the instructions specifically allow
                    for such use. Never apply pesticides on a windy day.

                    Never apply pesticides to bare ground or eroded areas. Many
                    pesticides bind to the soil and would wash into storm drains and
                    waterways along with sediments during a heavy rain.
                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              


















                                                                                                                                                              33
 





                                                       Never hose down pesticide leaks or small spills. Cover the spill
                                                       with an absorbent material such as sand, sawdust, or kitty litter,
                                                       and sweep it into a sturdy bag. Double bag this and take it to a
                                                       hazardous waste collection center. Wash down the area (if a
                                                       hard- surfaced floor or driveway) with a solution of water and
                                                       bleach or a strong detergent.


                                                   Resource: Refer to Resources in the Appendix for more infor-
                                                   mation concerning native plants, lawn care, landscape manage-
                                                   ment, gardening, integrated pest management, and pesticide
                                                   spills. The Collier County Extension Service provides educa-
                                                   tional materials and offers advise and workshops. The South
                                                   Florida Water Management District has important educational
                                                   materials about xeriscape, water conservation through creative
                                                   landscaping.


































        34





             OVATERFRONT
              PROPERTY

             Special responsibilities come along with the pleasures and
             advantages of living on the water. Waterfront property owners             A retired couple from up north
             living along a bayfront, creek, or canal have access to these waters      regularly canoe the creek behind
             and the opportunity to protect and monitor them. Florida's                their home and keep an eye out
             economical well-being and ecological health are tied to fisheries,        for pollution problems. The banks
             wetlands, and estuaries. The loss of submerged lands to private           are kept clear of debris and the
             development and the construction of finger canals have resulted in        waters are protected.
             the destruction of estuarine habitats and the loss of aquatic life
             along the Florida coast. Progressive siltation from these activities
             contributes to the reduction of the rich biological productivity
             associated with our estuaries.


             Another source of sedimentation is shoreline erosion. The removal
             of mangroves and other vegetation including salt tolerant grasses
             contributes to increased erosion and the destabilization of the
             shoreline.      Red mangroves, with their
             characteristic prop roots, help prevent natural
             wave and tidal erosion along the shoreline. The
                                                                                                                       L
             mangroves absorb and diffuse the impact of boat
             wakes and act as abufferin the event of hurricanes
             or tropical storms. Removal of the mangroves
             breaks the food web at its base and interrupts the
             natural cycling of detritus (decaying leaves and                       VI
             other organic debris) into the estuary and offshore
             waters. Detritus is an essential food source for
             fish, shrimp, crabs, other invertebrates, and
             plankton.

             Natural shoreline vegetation, particularly the
             red mangrove, has the ability to absorb nutrients
             and pollutants found in stormwater runoff.
             Excessive amounts of nutrients and pollutants
             are prevented from entering the waterbody. With so many septic
             systems and package sewer plants seeping into drainage ditches,
             coliform bacteria counts in area waters can only increase as
             vegetation is removed. Cutting vegetation to lower the height
             causes a decline in filtering efficiency and nutrient absorptive
             capacity.

             Shoreline vegetation provides shade along waterfront banks and
             acts as a water temperature regulator. Cooler waters have the
             capacity to hold more oxygen, a factor critical to the survival of

                                                                                                                           35






                                                    aquatic plants and animals. Removing or trimin      ing vegetation can
                                                    result in rising water temperatures and decreased amounts of
                                                    dissolved oxygen. Warmer water temperatures do not support the
                                                    diversity of fish that cooler temperatures do, and less desirable fish
                                                    become more abundant.


                                                    When mangroves and native shore grasses are replaced with a
                                                    hardened shoreline such as a seawall, the benefits of a once naturally
                                                    winding - shoreline are lost, shoreline length is shortened, and
                                                    stormwater runoff problems are greatly exacerbated.

                                                    Help preserpe natural shoreline and protect our estuaries:

                                                    0   Protect the natural slope and native shoreline vegetation.
                                                        Modification of shoreline structure through changing natural
                                                        contours and removing or cutting vegetation, can eliminate
                                                        benefits including productivity, water quality maintenance,
                                                        shoreline stabilization, flood controls, and feeding, breeding,
                                                        and nursery habitat for marine species and birds.

                                                    0   Revegetate areas with native plants. Take into consideration
                                                        the existing vegetation (find out what the original vegetation
                                                        was before removal or alteration), water depth fluctuations,
                                                        tidal activity, water salinity, shoreline slope, drainage
           Waterfront properly                          characteristics and any other site specific factors. Refer to an
                                                        environmental consulting business that specializes in shoreline
       .owners have the unique                          vegetation.
                                                    o   Plant shoreline vegetation along a gentle slope from higher
        opportunity to preserve                         ground seaward. Plantswillbe able to filter pollutants efficiently.
          natural shoreline and                     o   Use biodegradable paper, sisal nets, or a tarpaulin when
                                                        planting on a steep bank or eroded area. This prevents erosion
               maintain native                          and helps stabilize the bank until vegetation covers and holds
                                                        the soil.
                  vegetation.                       o   Regrade the shoreline landward of mean high water with a
                                                        gradual slope. Recommended slope measurement is between
                                                        six to three feet horizontal to one foot vertical. Variances may
                                                        be needed.


                                                    o   Place a swale and berm system in areas where stormwater
                                                        runoff is a major problem. Swales should have gradually
                                                        sloping sides to be able to catch runoff. Pollutants can then filter
                                                        through the soil.




        36








               Create a percolation basin or pond to retain stormwater runoff.
                    Basins are appropriate in spaces with natural contours forcing
                    runoff to drain into one or two locations.


                   Use terracing to help control erosion and runoff problems on
                    waterfront property with steep backyards. A series of tiers with
                    the last tier meeting the water's edge could incorporate a Swale
                    and berm system, a ground covering that would not require
                    mowing or fertilizer, and native shoreline vegetation.

                   Use native plants in landscaping the backyard near the bank.
                    Plants should be suited to site specific drainage features. Non-
                    native species may require fertilizer or pesticides which damage
                    water quality and harm the ecosystem.                                                                     HOW TO

                   Remove exotics (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and								Taking A Stream Walk
                                                                                                             		Monitor the creek, canal, or waterbody
                                                                                                        			adjacent to the property.  Walking,
                    melaleuca) and replace them with native vegetation. These                                           canoeing, or boating along the waterway
                    species spread aggressively and become established along coastal                                    behind your home on a regular basis                                                                                                                             
                    zones, canals, banks, and drainage ditches. They shade out,                                         can alert you to any number of problems.
                                                                                                                        Look for erosion, stormwater runoff
                                                                                                                        and turbidity problems generated by
                                                                                                                        road and bridge construction.  Are
                    displace, or exclude desirable native species which stabilize the						turbidity screens in place and
                                                                                                                        functioning property or are the waters          
                                                                                                              		near the worksite distrubed and muddy?
                 shoreline and are part of the estuarine food web.									Get to know your waterway and keep
                                                                                                                        an eye out for algal blooms, fish kills
                                                                                                                        and discharge and sewage.  Debris in                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                        waterways can interfere with natural
                    Keep the adjacent waterway free of organic yard debris such as							flow and block fish migration.  Be aware
                                                                                                                        of areas along the stream where
                                                                                                                        dumping has occurred.  Trash, derelict
                                                                                                                        vessels, and white goods such as old
                    grass clippings, shrubbery trimmings, and palm fronds. Debris                                       washing machines and refrigerators                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                    lodged in a creek bend or rotting at the end of a canal uses up                                     should be removed.  Mark the location                                                                                                                                         dissolved oxygen in the process of decomposition, depriving fish                        
                                                                                                                        of potential problems on a map.  Refer
                    and aquatic plants of needed oxygen.                                                                to Resources in the Appendix for a list
                                                                                                                        of government agencies that should be                                                                                                                                     
                    Dock planning: Design the dock access ramp and the main                                  		notified in the event of finding a derelict
                                                                                                                        vessel, large obstructive trash, or oil
                    platform in accordance with Florida Department of Natural                                           and other hazardous waste.
                                                                                                                              
                    Resources regulations. Use the smallest possible area and a                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
                    plan which is environmentally sensitive. Consider sharing a
                                                                                                                               
                    dock with your neighbor. Consider alternatives to building
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                    docks.
                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                    
                   Plant native vegetation seaward of a hardened shoreline or a                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                               
                    seawall. The soil must be at mean high tide or higher.
                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                     
                    Consider the building and maintenance expenses as well as
                                                                                                                                                 
                    environmental concerns before hardening a shoreline. Sloped                             
                                                                                                                                                          
                    riprap is preferable to a seawall. Vertical seawalls are more                            
                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            
                    vulnerable to erosion, wave, and storm damage.







                                                                                                                                                           37
 






                                                 CAUTION: The toddler or young child who wanders off is far less
                                                     likely to drown in the shallows along a natural shoreline.
                                                     Mangrove prop roots and othervegetation give a child something
                                                     secure to grasp hold oE A vertical seawall is a steep drop and
                                                     a child would never be able to climb the slick concrete slab.


                                                 MANGROVES AND PERMITS

                                                 Mangroves are native trees of inherent value to Rookery Bay and
                                                 the Florida coast. Mangroves contribute to marine ecology in a
                                                 number of ways. They provide feeding, breeding, and nursery
                                                 habitat for a large assemblage of species, filter nutrients from
                                                 stormwater runoff draining uplands, maintain water quality, and
                                                 protect shorelines from erosion and flooding. Mangroves, along
                                                 with all trees and woody vegetation, areprotected in Collier County.
                                                 Violations of these regulations may result in fines and criminal
                                                 prosecution.

                                                 Red mangroves grow at the water's edge and are easily identified by
                                                 their characteristic, tangled prop roots. Black and white mangroves
                                                 are the two other local species. If you are uncertain whether or not
                                                 a tree is a mangrove, bring sample leaves to the Collier County
                                                 Extension Service, DER, or DNR. Mangroves should not be
                                                 pruned, cut, removed, or altered in any way unless a vegetation
                                                 removal permit has been obtained. This applies to freeze-damaged
                                                 mangroves, too. For more information concerning permit
                                                 applications, requirements, and fees, contact Collier County Project
                                                 Review Services. Upon obtaining a permit, notify an environmental
                                                 inspector in Compliance Services. A courtesy call helps to inform
                                                 field staff that the property owner is not in violation of mangrove
                                                 regulations.

                                                 Resource: For more information concerning projects requiring
                                                 variances, boat docks, and vegetation permits, refer to Resources in
                                                 the Appendix for a listing of government agencies, addresses, and
                                                 telephone numbers.














       38





           H-Dr,,"REATION


           Florida's coasts offer a bountiful, seemingly infinite number of
           wonderful recreational opportunities. Further inland, Florida has        Well aware that plastic items and
           a large number of rivers, lakes, and springs where visitors stop and     other marine debris can harm or
           enjoy recreational activities. Boating, fishing, swimming and diving     kill marine mammals, the scout
           are the activities that are most often thought of in connection with     troop meets at the beach and
           coastal ecosystems. People are out on the water in all manner of         collects litter as part of an Adopt-
           ways from large sailboats and cabin cruisers to the lone windsurfer      A-Shore program.
           or jet skier. Golf, along with so many other outdoor activities, is
           available all year round. Windswept beaches of coastal strand and
           barrier islands beckon us to take long walks at the water's edge.
           These activitieswhich provide relaxation andbring so much pleasure
           can adversely affect Florida's waters, when carelessly undertaken.

           BOATING

           There are one million registered boats in the state of Florida. This
           number dramatically increases seasonally. A total of 15,140 boats
           registered in Collier County between June 1, 1991 and May 31,
           1992. Boating directly impacts the health of our waterways and
           Rookery Bay. By understanding the potential negative impacts of
           boating activities and observing precautions associated with boating,
           boat owners can help, ensure the health of Rookery Bay and
           preserve it for future generations.

           Shoreline erosion, a major source of sediment, is a complicated
           problem. Erosion and deposition are naturally
           occurring geological processes, continuing over
           time to reshape topographical features of the
           earth. A river channel changes, a beach erodes,
           and a new pass is cut through the mangroves.,
           Boat wakes amplify the problem of shoreline
           erosion. Erosion is a particular problem in narrow
           creeks, canals, the Intracoastal Waterway, and
           inlets where wakes wash heavily against the banks.
           The extent of shoreline erosion caused by a

                                                                                                                        ...........
           boat's wake depends on the energy of the wave,
           which in turn, is related to the hull size, boat
           speed, the distance from shore, and the depth of
           the water the boat is operating in.

           Rookery Bay, like many of Florida's estuaries,
           harbors and bays, is shallow. Eroded sediments


                                                                                                                      39






                                                     may cause further shallowing or create an unwanted shoal. In
                                                     addition to narrow erosion-prone areas, seagrass beds are subject
                                                     to sedimentation. Highly productive seagrasses grow in shallow
                                                     depthswhere they receive adequate fight. Seagrasses are particularly
                                                     sensitive to turbidity. When there is increased turbidity, sunlight is
                                                     cut off to the grass beds, seagrasses die off, and algae become more
                                                     abundant, creating more problems for estuarine and marine
                                                     ecosystems.

                                                     The other major problem associated with boats has to do with the
                                                     release of chemical pollutants into area waters. Fuel, cleaning
                                                     agents, and chemicals used in boat maintenance are toxic and
                                                     contribute to the degradation ofbay waters. Cleaners contain acids,
                                                     alkalies, and petroleum distillates. . Paints, paint removers, lacquer
                                                     thinners, and solvents contain substances such as chlorinated
                                                     hydrocarbons, ketones, toluene, and xylene, which are not only
                                                     toxic to aquatic life, but present health risks to humans as well.
                                                     Fuels and chemicals used in the operation, cleaning, and
                                                     maintenance of a boat should be used with extreme care.


                                                     BoAT OPERAMN


                                                     ï¿½   Observe posted speeds and NO WAKE signs. Narrow areas
                                                         should be navigated at low idle. Along with being a safe boater
           Reduce the impact of                          and helping to minimize shoreline erosion, you may also prevent
                                                         a manatee tragedy. Be aware of manatees.
            your boat's wake on                      e   Operate your boat inappropriate waterdepths. Leaveadequate
         shoreline erosion. Slow                         clearance (at least 12 inches) between the boat propeller and
                                                         the submerged bottom. Avoid shallow areas to keep from
                                                         churning up the bottom. The turbulence caused by a propeller
             down before, rather                         exceeds beyond the depth of the motor's lower unit, causing
            than after, the speed                        damage to benthic or bottom-dwelling communities.
                                                     ï¿½   Avoid cutting through seagrass beds. Become familiar with
                   limit marker.                         areas where seagrass beds are abundant. If you inadvertently
                                                         enter a shallow seagrass area, follow these steps: cut your
                                                         engine and back out of the vegetation with a pole or paddle.
                                                         Seagrass beds are vital to the health of the estuary. They suffer
                                                         extreme damage from propeller scarring and take years to
                                                         recover.


                                                     ï¿½   When fueling the boat, avoid spilling Mel or overfliling the gas
                                                         tanks. Learn to estimate fuel consumption relative to your
                                                         boat's tank capacity. Tighten the cap and clean up any spilled
                                                         fuel. Fuel overflow is dangerous to people as well as aquatic life.



         40






                Bilge water should be discharged offshore in deeper waters
                when possible. Fuel, oils, and chemicals that are spilled in a boat
                are discharged with the bilge water. It is important to keep your
                boat clean and free of spills.

           BoAT MMNTENANCE


                Maintain your boat engine to avoid any oil leaks. Many area
                marinas recycle motor oil. If you change the oil in your boat,
                bring used oil to a marina which provides a used oil drum for
                recycling or to a hazardous waste collection center. Never
                dump oil into a waterbody, a storm drain, or roadside ditch.

                Rinse and scrub your boat with a brush and water. When soap
                is necessary, use one that is biodegradable and phosphate-free.
                Cleaning your boat on a regular basis will help to avert the need
                for stronger cleaning agents.

                Avoid products with "WARNING" or "DANGER" on the labels;
                they can kill marine life ifwashed overboard. Always select the
                least toxic product available.

                Limit the use of cleaning, dissolving, and painting agents in
                maintenance; they are toxic to aquatic life. When working on
                your boat during the annual haul, be conscious of the materials
                used and the toxicity of each. Take care in following the
                manufacturer's directions. Hazardous wastes and their
                containers should be taken to a hazardous waste collection site.
                Refer to the Appendix for more information.

                When scraping or sanding the bottom of a boat, place a drop
                cloth underneath for safe disposal of the scrapings. Anti-
                fouling boat paints containing copper or tin inhibit the growth
                of barnacles and are extremely toxic. Use of tributyltin (TBT)
                bottom paint is now restricted by federal legislation.

                Thoroughly clean the boat's hull, propeller, and trailer after
                using the boat in other waters. Never discharge bilge or ballast
                water from foreign waters into Florida harbors or marinas.
                Boats have been responsible for the accidental introduction of
                exotic aquaticplants and animals into U.S. waters, causing stress
                and damage to native species and changing the ecosystem.

                Consider dry storage. Benefits include lower maintenance
                costs and reduced environmental impacts.




                                                                                                                          41




                                                    AIR&ATs, PWC's, ANDATVs

                                                    The operation and maintenance of air boats and personal water
                                                    crafts have some of the potential negative impacts associated with
                                                    boating. Because of special features or compact size, air boats and
                                                    PWC's have access to areas that naturally restrict most boats. Many
        Recreational crafts and vehicles            of these areas are environmentally sensitive. As an air boat skims
        should avoid environmentally                over the water's surface, the weight of the boat pushes down,
                                                    producing a pressure wake. In shallow waters air boats leave a trail,
        sensitive areas:                            pressing down vegetation, disturbing bottom sediments, and
                                                    damaging bottom- dwelling organisms. Personal water crafts run
        shallow waters                              on an impeller system which has the potential to create turbidity in
        bird rookeries                              shallow waters, and they use a gas/oil fuel mixture.
        mangrove islands                            All-terrain vehicles provide outdoor experiences for some
        erosion-prone areas                         individuals, but if driven indiscriminately, they can damage the
                                                    environment. All-terrain vehicles can traverse any number of
                                                    'habitats including fresh and saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods,
                                                    scrub, and cypress swamp. Over a period of time vegetation is killed,
                                                    areas are left bare and subject to erosion, and a set of tracks
                                                    becomes an unwanted road. Tearing up areas of land can alter the
                                                    natural flow of rainwater runoff and drainage patterns. All-terrain
                                                    vehicles can be very disruptive to wildlife, especially those creatures
                                                    which are buried in the mud at the sediment-water interface or the
                                                    top layers of the soil.

                                                    Air boat and PWC operators should obserpe thefollowing
                                                    boating precautions:

                                                    ï¿½ Observe posted speeds and NO WAKE signs.

                                                    ï¿½ Avoid cutting through seagrass beds.

                                                    ï¿½ Avoid spilling fuel and clean up any spills immediately.

                                                    ï¿½ Clean the air boat or PWC with a brush, sponge, water and a
                                                       biodegradable, phosphate-free soap.

                                                    All-terrain Pehicle operators can help protect water quality
                                                    and natipe plant and animal communities asfollows:

                                                    ï¿½  Avoid environmentally sensitive areas including marshes,
                                                       cypress swamps, and scrub.

                                                    ï¿½  Operate all-terrain vehicles atmoto-cross parks, cross-country
                                                       courses, and other areas reserved for all-terrain vehicles.

        42





           MARINEDUMPINGAND
           DEBRIS


           Dumping untreated sewage into coastal waters                               .. . . . . . . ..... ... .
           may contaminate shellfish.                   Severe
                                                                                                                     @Mn, dWe""iR
           gastrointestinal illness or infectious hepatitis can
           develop in the unlucky individual who consumes
                                                                                                     y
           contaminated shellfish. Human wastes also
           contain the nutrients which contribute to algal
           blooms and oxygen depletion in shallow, inshore
           waters.


           Marine    debris will not disintegrate, has the
                                                                                                                  "'Fill
           potential to harm aquatic        life, and has the
           potential to damage boat engines by clogging
           intake valves and ports and becoming tangled around propellers.
           Plastic bags are mistakenly ingested by sea turtles as jelly fish, a
           commonfooditem. Monofilament fishing lines and six-pack plastic
           rings can entrap pelicans and other seabirds, and ultimately strangle
           or starve the birds. Whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals
           are at risk through ingestion or entanglement of plastic refuse.

           Help protect Rookery Bay, offshore waters, and nwrine life:

           0   Regarding sewage disposal, use onshore sanitary facilities
               whenever possible.                                                     Eliminate marine

           9   Use marina pump-out stations to empty your boat's marine               dumping and debris:
               sanitation devices or holding tanks. The U.S. Coast Guard
               requires the use of sanitizing gear or an onboard holding tank
               within three miles of shore.                                           sewage discharge
           e   Marine sanitation devices use chlorine and disinfectants.
               Chlorine degrades water quality and negatively impacts aquatic         plastics
               life. Discharge of treated waste is strongly discouraged and
               should occur palywhen necessary and in offshore waters deeper          monofilament line
               than 20 feet, where tidal movement will disperse waste.
           o   Designate an area where trash can be stored on board the boat.         old nets and hooks

           e   Secure any loose items so they do not blow overboard when the
               boat is in operation.

           o   Never throw anything (cans, plastic objects, leftover food, etc.)
               overboard.



                                                                                                                           43






                                               ï¿½ Know the procedu    res  for the safe removal of fish hooks,
                                                  monofilament line, and other fishing apparatus. Know the
                                                  procedures for rescuing injured birds.

                                               ï¿½ Follow appropriate "catch and release" practices when fishing.

                                               Resource: Refer to Resources in the Appendix for the agency or
                                               organization to contact concerning boating and fishing violations,
                                               injured manatees, or for assistance in dealing with an injured bird
                                               or animal.




















































       44





            BEACH OUTINGS9 PICNICS, CAMPING,
            AND COMMUNiTYEVENTS

            Trash is the most visible kind of pollution we encounter at the
            beach, in our parks, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and on roadsides.
            Large public events drawing crowds of people create potential litter
            problems unless trash disposal facilities are easily accessible and
            arrangements for collection and removal are well-orchestrated.             Trash is easily removed
            Balloons, often sold or given away at fairs, festivals, grand openings,       and even more easily
            and other large community events can be fatal to wildlife. Balloon
            releases are now unlawful in the state of Florida. Balloons are                        prevented.
            commonly made from latex or Mylar plastic. Keep in mind they can
            quickly turn into a form of plastic litter and are capable of killing or
            debilitating sea turtles, seabirds, migratory waterfowl, and marine
            mammals.


            Help keep public recreational areas clean:

            *   Carry a bag to remove any trash at the end ofan outing. Involve
                all family members in trash collection. Allowing the kids to
                participate will help instill responsibility in young children.

            e   Use public restroom facilities. Do not allow children or pets to
                urinate in the water or defecate on the beach.


            *   Encourage your municipality or county to provide clean,
                adequate restroom facilities and maintain them. These public
                areas should also have an adequate number of readily accessible
                garbage cans.

                Recover lost or downed kites. Mte flying is a popular beach
                activity. Lost kites may drift offshore. If not recovered, kites
                and other plastic items pose a serious hazard to sea turtles, birds,
                and marine mammals.


                Be responsible for food and drink containers, balloons, and
                other items acquired at fairs and other public events.

                Participate in Beach Clean-Ups and Adopt-A-Shore programs.
                Beach Clean-Ups are a treasure hunt turningup some fascinating
                items as well as trash. Participants enjoy the community spirit
                and the satisfaction of a job well done at the end of the day. The
                local Adopt-A-Shore is run through The Conservancy, Inc. and
                is apart of the state's "Keep Florida Beautiful" program. Refer
                to the Appendix for more information.

                                                                                                                             45





                                                   GoLF

                                                   Naples is known for its many beautiful golf courses. Pesticides and
                                                   fertilizers are used in the care and maintenance of golf courses.
                                                   Pesticide is a general term and includes insecticides used to control
                                                                      insects such as fire ants and mole crickets,
                                                                      herbicides to keep the course free of weeds and
                                                                      aquatic weeds that would proliferate in ponds
                                                                      and water traps, and fungicides to control fungi.
                                                                      The potential problems related to pesticide usage
                                                                      at golf courses are compounded by pesticide use
                                                                      at nearby tomato farms, throughout the canal
                                                                      system, and areas under mosquito control
                                                          . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                      Agriculture relies on the use of pesticides.
                                                                      Florida's citrus groves, tomato fields, and spring
                                                                      and fall vegetable crops use another group of
                                                                      pesticides
                                                                                 The herbicides Garlon 3-A, Aquathol-
                                                                      K, and Glyphosate are used to control aquatic
                                                                      vegetation as part of canal maintenance, and
                                                                      Baytex and Malathion are used in mosquito
                                                                      control. Pesticides often contain toxic organic or
                                                                      inorganic chemical compounds. Depending on
                                                   their purpose, pesticides may be specifically formulated to resist
                                                   natural decomposition processes, or they may be formulated to
                                                   break down quickly.

                                                   There is considerable controversy surrounding the use of pesticides
                                                   and a continuing debate over potential health risks. Both the short-
                                                   term and long-term effects of pesticide use and exposure with
                                                   respect to the health of humans and the health of ecosystems need
              Environmentally                      to be addressed. Five to ten years ago, it was a routine practice to
                                                   station the rental equipment used for pesticide application at a golf
                  compatible                       course maintenance facility. The result of locating the equipment
                                                   in the same spot year after year resulted in pesticide accumulation
          maintenance of local                     and groundwater contamination.
                                                   After application, pesticides may leave residues of poisonous active
         golf courses can help                     ingredients, inert ingredients, additives, or impurities. As chemicals
          protect Rookery Bay                      decompose, a substance may be broken down into a different
                                                   compound, one that may be more or less toxic than the original
                                                   pesticide. A residual constituent may be harmless in and of itself,
             and area waters.                      but in reaction with another substance forms something even more
                                                   t oxi c.


                                                   Pesticides targeting and controlling one pest, may have devastating
                                                   effects on another non-target group of organisms as an unwanted
                                                   side effect. Even for those pesticides which are relatively weak, the

       46






           cumulative effect building over ten, twenty, or fifty years, may have
           serious consequences for the quality of area waters as well as certain
           species. The factor of the unknown will always be a risk and can no
           longer be ignored.

           South Florida's weather patterns of hard spring and summer rains
           coming after a long dry season, send a huge pulse of pesticides,
           fertilizers, oils, greases, heavy metals, and other pollutants into
           creeks, canals, and estuarine waters. Stormwater runoff channels
           into drainage ditches. Low areas that were bone dry are turned into
           wetlands overnight. Wading birds forage in these temporary,
           seasonal wetlands, and their food -chain may be affected
           detrimentally. In areas where storrawater runoff and other sources
           of extra nutrients such as sewage effluence exist, nematode parasites
           can proliferate and infect fish populations. Although adult wading
           birds can tolerate some parasites, feeding infected fish to their
           young may cause some of the nestlings to die as a result of organ
           damage or secondary infections caused by the nematodes.

           Avid golfers help protect area waters and wading birds by
           taking an active interest in the management of local
           courses:


           ï¿½ Encourage the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as
               an alternative to the complete reliance on pesticides. IPM
               monitors pest problems, takes into consideration environmental
               factors, and uses synthetic pesticides only as needed.

           ï¿½   Encourage the minimal use of pesticides, herbicides,
               insecticides, and fertilizers where older pest control practices
               are still being used.

           ï¿½   Encourage the use ofan "all-natural fertilizer mix". Bone meal,
               feather meal, wheat germ, soya, muriate of potash, enzymes,
               and soil microorganisms are some of the ingredients found in a
               natural fertilizer. Natural fertilizers help to reduce the number
               of applications, may prolong the length of time the course
               remains green, and work to increase the soil's ability to hold
               water.


           9   Encourage the use of a no-phosphorus fertilizer or a low-
               phosphorus formula fertilizer, if phosphorus must be applied.
               Example: a 12-4-8 formula indicates 12% nitrogen, 4%
               phosphorus, and 8% potash by weight.




                                                                                                                        47






                                                   ï¿½   Encourage the use ofa fertilizer that releases slowly despite the
                                                       presence of water. A high percentage of the nitrogen (at least
                                                                                                                        ,n
                                                       60%) should be in the form of Water Insoluble Nitroge
                                                       (WIN). Slow-release fertilizers benefit the golf course and
                                                       downstream bodies of water. The greens receive a steady input
                                                       of nitrogen. Slow-release fertilizer washing into area waters will
                                                       not be immediately available to the plant life, thus preventing
                                                       algal blooms and uncontrolled aquatic weed growth.

                                                   ï¿½   Encourage the periodic testing for pesticide contamination in
                                                       golf course waterbodies, adjacent creeks, and groundwater.








        Pesticides used at local golf

        courses:


        MSMA 6.6
        Illoxan
        2,4-D Amine
        Amdro
        Dursban
        Manzeb
        Acephate
        Ansar 6.6
        Kerb 50-W
        Baygon
        Proxal
        Direne
        Pre-M
        Sencor 75
        Glyphosate
        Oftanol 2,
        Sevin









        48





          120MMUNITY

          A community can mobilize for water pollution prevention, clean-
          ups, environmental planning, and growth management. Although               A businessman works on
          they may not be fully aware of it, ordinary citizens do have the power     implementing a              recycling
          to exert influence and bring about change. Our consumer decisions          program in his condominium. He
          have considerable leverage. We can make a significant impact by            belongs to a local conservation
          reducing our demand forwaterand electricity, petroleum products,           organization and keeps abreast
          paper, wood, metal products, and land. It naturally follows that we        of community environmental
          can also reduce the amount of toxic, non-biodegradable wastes              issues.
          which we produce and discard and in the process create serious
          water pollution problems that are injurious to all life.... humans
          included.


          We need to ask ourselves if we really need a particular product and
          weigh the benefits vs. the potentially harmful
          effects. Using environmentally friendly products
          and changing the timing of activities in order to
          minimize environmental impacts can make a
          difference. We have seen from the preceding
          chapters that what each of us does individually
          has an enormous impact when taken collectively.
          By developing an awareness of our everyday                   M P.
          actions, seriously examining those actions, and
          practicing new non- polluting, water-conserving
          habits we can protect and preserve Rookery
          Bay, the watershed, adjacent lands, and our
                                                                2:M @@M
          aquifers, waterways, estuaries, and natural
          resources in general. Working together, we can
          all move towards a more sustainable Florida.


          Actions we can take to become an "environmentally wise
          community:

              Vote. Elect officials who support environmental protection.
              Attend community election forums and town hall meetings
              where candidates discuss theirviews and find outhow they stand
              on local, regional, state, national, and global environmental
              issues. Monitor a candidate's voting record and compile voting
              charts on officials running for re-election to help inform the
              general public. Request first-time candidates, who are without
              a voting record, to complete an environmental survey.

              Make your views known to elected officials. Letter writing to
              local, state, and federal officials and to environmental regulatory
              agencies, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to

                                                                                                                         49






                                                       influence public policy. The best time to call or write is when
                                                       decisions are being made. Write legislators before a vote on a
                                                       bill. Write environmental agencies when a regulation has been
                                                       proposed. Follow the news to keep track of legislation. Field
                                                       offices of state agencies can also provide information.

                                                   9   Garner support bywriting abrief, concise letter to the newspaper
                                                       editor. Suggest actions that others can take to assist your cause,
                                                       Elected officials and decision-makers scan the letters-to-the-
                                                       editor section to follow public opinion on current issues.
          Help spread the word.                    e   Become knowledgeable and involved with local comprehensive
           Share this book with                        planning. Obtain a copy of the county comprehensive land use
                                                       plan, local zoning ordinances, and natural resources inventory.
         friends and neighbors.                        Attendance at planning meetings can help you assess what is
                                                       happening within the community and public presence can be
            Working together to                        influential. Collier County Planning Commission Meetings are
                                                       held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the
         prevent water pollution                       Board of Commissioners meeting room on the third floor of
                                                       Building F of the Collier County government complex. The
                                                       agenda for each meeting can be picked up at the Collier County
          makes far more sense                         Community Development Services building, on the Friday
              than cleaning up                         before the following Thursday meeting.
                                                   0   Attend city council and county commission meetings. Let
                     pollution.                        officials know that you are concerned as an individual or as a
                                                       member of an organization (homeowner's association,
                                                       conservation group, etc.). Become involved andworkto influence
                                                       decisions. Tackle an issue, become informed on the specifics,
                                                       challenge the experts, wage a publicity campaign, and submit
                                                       'best management practice" strategies as solutions to water
                                                       quality problems.

                                                   o   Joinan organization. 'Thinkglobafly--Act Locally" andbecome
                                                       active in the local chapters of The Audubon Society, Sierra
                                                       Club, The Nature Conservancy, the Naples Chapter of the
                                                       Florida Native Plant Society, area sea turtle monitoring
                                                       programs, The Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc., The Conservancy,
                                                       Inc., or local land trust organizations. Even if you don't have
                                                       time to participate, membership dues are well-used and
                                                       newsletters keep you informed.

                                                   o   Networking with affiliated groups on a statewide basis can
                                                       provide valuable information and may yield solutions to similar
                                                       problems.

                                                   o   Join orform a water association addressingwater conservation,
                                                       pollution problems, and watershed and wetlands protection.

        50







               Find strength in numbers. Form alliances with groups and
               agencies sharing common concerns. A coalition of
               environmental groups, civic associations, and service
               organizations has more influence than one single group. Take
               your group's concerns to other professional, academic, and civic
               organizations, too.

               Involve civic associations, service organizations, churches,
               scout troops, and other community groups in water quality and
               natural resource protection. Arrange speaker/slide
               presentations, panel discussions with local officials, and half-
               day workshops on wetlands, estuaries, and water quality issues.
               Track down speakers from area colleges, retired scientists, staff
               from state field offices and board members of environmental
               organizations.

           o   Learn first-hand about water quality problems and issues.
               Arrange for tours of sewage treatment plants, landfills, large
               agricultural operations, local creeks, and other areas of special
               concern. Invite local government officials to attend and initiate
               discussions on improving water quality. Propose constructive
               measures to solve pollution problems and protect estuaries.

           o   Deal with speciflc issues. Concentrate on one particular problem
               in the community. Avoid tackling many different problems and
               diluting resources and volunteer manpower. Local
               environmental groups should use scientists, physicians,
               engineers, attorneys- teachers, and technicians from within the
               community to set environmental priorities and help with
               community actions.

           o   Develop educational water quality projects in which students
               can participate. Creating and monitoring wetland habitats or
               planting vegetation at restoration sites are examples. Parents
               and teachers can encourage water quality projects in school
               science fairs, 4-H fairs, and other area events where
               environmental displays would be welcome. Agencies and
               organizations have many fine educational materials available.

           o   Inform your state and federal government representatives
               about important community projects to protect and preserve
               our water resources, Rookery Bay, the watershed, and coastal
               waters.


           0   Request local TV and media coverage ofwater quality projects,
               community events, and environmental programs to promote
               greater public awareness. Thank them when they cover these
               issues.


                                                                                                                       51







                                                  ï¿½   Use press releases to local newspapers, posters on public
                                                      bulletin boards, library boards, and announcements in local
                                                      calendar listings and organization newsletters to publicize
                                                      events.


                                                  ï¿½   Start a citizen volunteer monitoring program. Scientific water
                                                      quality monitoring involves volunteers collecting and analyzing
                                                      water samples from designated sites. They can document
                                                      pollution problems (nitrate levels), identify pollution sources,
                                                      raise public awareness of water quality issues, and educate the
                                                      public about preventing and reducing water pollution.

                                                  ï¿½   Organize a stream clean-up and other water quality projects in
                                                      which all members of the community can participate. Walk,
                                                      canoe, or boat local creeks, canals, and designated areas of
                                                      Rookery Bay to remove trash and check for specific problems
                                                      including erosion, algal blooms, fish kills, sewage discharge,
                                                      stormwater runoff, and highway and construction debris.
                                                      Participate in Beach Clean-Ups, Adopt-A-Road programs,
                                                      Estuary Day, and other local environmental activities and events.
                                                      The Conservancy, Inc. organizes "Adopt-A-Shore" in Naples.




























        52







                                           HOW TO


               Effective Letter Writing
               Follow Congressman Morris K Udall's suggestions (adaptedfrom The
               Right to Write) for effective letter-writing:

               Address it properly.

               Identify the bill or issue by number or popular name.

               The letter should be timely. Mail so the letter arriveswhile there is still
               time for officials to take action.


               Focus on your representatives.

               Be reasonably brief and concise.

               Ask for a response, don't hesitate to ask questions, and request
               clarification to an equivocal response.

               Write your own views. A personal letter incorporating your own
               experiences and observations is far more effective than a form letter or
               petition.

               Give your reasons for taking a stand. Your legislators may not know
               all the effects of thebill andwhat it may mean to an important segment
               of their constituency-

               Show understanding. Indicate an awareness of the proposed bill or
               ordinance and its potential impacts within your community.

               Be constructive and offer alternative solutions.


               Ask for specific actions to be taken such as co-sponsoring a bill or
               supporting an amendment.

               Share expert knowledge with your representatives. Well-rese-arched
               information is appreciated.

               Use a personal or business letterhead with a complete return address.

               Say'Vell Done"when it is deserved. Remembertothankrepresentatives
               for their efforts. Expressing disagreement politely may help on a
               related issue later.


               Some don'ts include: Making threats or promises, berating your
               representatives, pretending to wield vast political influence, and
               writing on every single issue.                                            J


                                                                                                                                       53







                                                   Are You Up To The Challenge?

                                                   Along with the opportunity to make a significant difference comes
                                                   the responsibility of making our homes, yards, neighborhoods,
                                                   workplaces, and the greater Rookery Bay community
                                                   environmentally wise and environmentally responsible. Everything
                                                   we do from the way we clean our homes to how we care for our lawns
                                                   to how we maintain our automobiles can substantially add to or
                                                   lessen the amount of pollution reaching our surface and ground
                                                   waters. As long as there is a Florida, our communities are going to
                                                   continue to grow. We cannot wait for the "next generation" to solve
                                                   environmental problems, clean up the pollution which we all create,
                                                   and improve the quality of life.

                                                   Aside from holding government and industry accountable for the
                                                   health of our environment, we must begin to hold ourselves
                                                   responsible, too. Becoming involved can help our community to
                                                   more effectively manage water pollution and other environmental
                                                   problems. Encouraging environmental awareness among friends
                                                   and neighbors involves talking to people: the neighbor who hoses
                                                   down the driveway, your friend with the drainage problem in the
                                                   front yard, and the new family that moved in across the canal and is
                                                   planning to put in a dock. Teachers, scout troops, and church youth
                                                   groups looking for a worthwhile community project can benefit
                                                   from this book as well as homeowner, neighborhood, and civic
                                                   associations. And most importantly YOU can make a difference.

                                                   Following even one or two of the suggestions can make a difference
                                                   in your home, community, and ultimately the waters of Rookery
                                                   Bay. In most instances, the greatest requirement of taking the steps
                                                   outlined in this book is making a conscious decision to change.
                                                   Some.steps require very little effort and considerably less cost, as in
                                                   making our own cleaning products. Others may have to be
                                                   implemented over time and at greater cost, as in the case of
                                                   waterfront property owners restoring a natural shoreline. Most of
                                                   the actions will make very little difference in the ways we conduct
                                                   our lives, involving only minor inconvenience, if any, and will
                                                   simplify our lives in the long run. These actions, however, will have
                                                   a resounding impact in our corner of the world .... Rookery Bay, one
                                                   part of the great heritage of Florida waters. The greatest tragedy
                                                   would be to do nothing as a result of thinking that our actions don't
                                                   count. Each person who does something individually becomes a
                                                   part of a larger collective effort, which can have a walloping effect
                                                   when everyone participates! We are counting on your help. Are
                                                   you up to the challenge?



       54






                                                       APPENDICES


                           NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS


           Oven Cleaner


           Avoid the use of harsh chemicals by wiping away grease and spills after use. For spills, let oven cool slightly,
           sprinkle salt on the spill, wait a few minutes and wipe area clean with a wet cloth. For scouring the oven, use
           baking soda (do not let baking soda touch wires or heating elements) and a damp sponge. Scour racks and
           burner inserts with steel wool.


           Drain Cleaner


           For clogged drains, try a plunger first. Dissolve 4 ounces baking soda and 8 oz. vinegar in a small amount of
           boiling water. Pour down drain and wait for fizzing to stop. Flush with tap water.

           Toilet Bowl Cleaner


           Sprinkle baking soda around the bowl followed by vinegar. Scrub with a toilet brush. Vinegar is a mild acid
           and should remove hard water scale.


           Abrasive Powder Cleanser


           Sprinkle any of the following on the surface to be cleaned: baking soda, borax, or dry table salt and scour
           with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove grit.

           Basin, Tub, and Tile.Cleaner

           Cut a lemon in half and dip it in borax. Rub surfaces with lemon and rinse.

           Ceramic Tile Cleaner


           Mix 1/4 cup vinegar in I gallon of water. Scrub with a brush.

           Mildew Remover


           Dissolve 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup borax in warm water. Apply to tiles and grout with a sponge or brush.
           Wipe and rinse clean.

           Glass and Window Cleaner


           Wipe away surface dirt with a paper towel or soft cloth. Window Cleaner 1: Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons
           vinegar to 1 quart water. Apply with a wad of newspaper. Window Cleaner 2: Mix 3 T ammonia, 1 T vinegar,
           3/4 cup water in a spray bottle. Wipe down with a squeegee to prevent streaking. Avoid spilling cleaner on
           painted or varnished woodwork. Window Cleaner 3: Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch in 2 qts. warm water and apply
           with a sponge. Wipe windows dry with a soft cloth.



                                                                                                                       55







        Dishwasher Soap

        Mix 1 part borax and 1 part washing soda. Depending on how hard the water is, adjust proportions to avoid
        soap film on dishes.

        Furniture Polish

        Furniture Polish 1: Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive or vegetable oil. Furniture Polish 2: Mix 2
        teaspoons lemon oil and 1 pint mineral oil in a spray bottle. Furniture Polish 3: Mix equal portions of
        denatured alcohol, fresh strained lemon juice, boiled linseed oil, and gum turpentine in a labeled jar. Shake
        before each use.


        Liquid Floor Polish

        Melt 1/4 cup paraffin in a double boiler. Stir in 2 qts. mineral oil. Transfer to labeled containers.

        Silver Polish


        Clean silver items with toothpaste, mild dishwashing liquid, and warm water using an old toothbrush on
        tarnished areas. Silverbrite Silverclean is a self-acting cleaning plate and cleans gold, silver-, bronze, brass,
        copper, and jewelry.

        Brass and Copper Cleaner

        Combine 1 pint of soap jelly, 1 cup whiting, and 1 teaspoon ammonia into a paste and beat together before
        soap jelly congeals. Rub the paste on metal articles. Wash them in hot sudsy water, rinse, and dry with a soft
        towel. To make soap jelly: dissolve 1 cup of soap shavings or soap flakes in 1 qt. of boiling water. Afterthe
        soap is entirely melted, pour it into ajar with a wide mouth and place it in a cool place until the mixture jells.
        Copper can be cleaned by rubbing a mixture of salt dissolved in hot vinegar. Rinse and wipe with a clean rag.

        Aluminum Cleaner


        Scour with soap jelly and whiting using fine steel wool. Brighten discolored pans by boiling in a solution of
        1 T vinegar and 1 qt. water.

        All-Purpose Cleaner

        General Cleaner 1: Mix 1 T baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gallon hot water. General
        Cleaner 2: Dissolve 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon warm water. General Cleaner 3: Mix 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2
        cup baking soda, and 1 gallon warm water into a bucket. After cleaning, rinse with clean water. Unused
        cleaner can be stored in a labeled bottle or jar. Other general cleaners include: # 1 vinegar, salt, and water,
          2 vinegar in water, # 3 baking soda and water, and # 4 soap pads.







        56






            Ant and Roach Sprays

            Roaches: Mix 16 oz. boric acid, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar and pieces of finely chopped onion. Add water a
            little at a time to make a soft dough. Shape into small balls and place these where roaches travel and hide.
            Ants: Mix I egg white, 2 T sugar, 1 T boric acid, and 1/2 cup water together until boric acid is dissolved. Spoon
            into jar lids and set lids in areas where ants appear and travel. Refill the lids when solution dries out. Allow
            three to four weeks for poison to take effect. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

            Moth Balls


            Place cedar blocks, lavender sachets and other dried herbs in closets and drawers.

            Note: The common alternatives including baking soda, washing soda, borax, boric acid, and ammonia
            can be purchased at supermarkets and pharmacies. Linseed oil, turpentine, and whiting can be
            purchased at hardware and/or paint stores.





































                                                                                                                         57























                                             q





    Septic Tank














                                                                           Nil









    Drainfield



                         Oil




                                                             14

      58






                                 HOW A SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM WORKS

           By understanding how a properly functioning septic system works and treating it with the same importance
           as any other major household utility, homeowners can avoid septic system failure, unnecessary expenses,
           health risks, and surface and ground waters contamination. A septic system is a sewage treatment and
           disposal facility. Home septic systems consist of two basic parts: 1) a septic tank for the treatment of
           wastewater, and 2) a soil absorption system for the disposal of wastewater. The tank, which is generally
           prefabricated from concrete or fiberglass, receives wastewater from the home through an underground pipe.
           Baffles regulate the flow of incoming wastewater and prevent sewage from flowing directly through the tank
           and out into the soil absorption field.

           Heavier solids including feces, soil, and food particles settle on the bottom of the tank and form a layer of
           sludge. Lighter materials such as grease, foam, and paper products float on the surface of the wastewater
           which fills the tank, and form a layer of scum. Anaerobic bacteria within the tank break down some of the
           heavier organic solids into smaller particles and liquefy other waste products. The scum layer is also worked
           on by bacteria. Between the bottom layer of sludge and the top layer of scum is a body of cloudy wastewater
           with many dissolved substances and minute particles. The wastewater remains in the tank and is conditioned
           over a period of time. When additional wastewater enters the septic tank from the house, the partially
           treated wastewater or effluent flows out of the tank and into the soil absorption system.

           The soil absorption system or drainfield consists of a distribution box, a series of perforated pipes buried over
           gravel-filled parallel trenches, and a large area of soil. Effluent leaves the tank through an outlet pipe and
           travels to the distribution box, dividing the flow between the lines of pipe. Older homes may have systems
           made of drain tile or cement blocks. Wastewater seeps out of holes in the pipes or through tile seams, filters
           down through the coarse gravel layer, and into the soil. Soil texture and soil permeability are critical factors
           in the operation of a septic system.

           Treatment of wastewater is accomplished as it percolates through the soil. If wastewater drains too quickly
           as through a coarse sand, the soil does not have sufficient time to filter out harmful materials. Soils unable
           to absorb wastewater, such as fine silt, clay, or compacted fill, are not suitable for a drainfield. Wastewater
           entering the drainfield in one of these soils may fill the trench with effluent and eventually rise to the ground
           surface or back up into the house. The wastewater may quickly drain out through cracks in compacted soils,
           without the benefit of soil treatment. The soil acts as a natural filter and removes very small particles, disease-
           causing microorganisms, organic materials, and nutrients. Plant roots take up nutrients, and the nutrient
           phosphate is removed through adhesion to soil particles. The effluent continues to move downward through
           the soil and eventually reaches the groundwater. Septic systems perform a valuable service by cleansing
           wastewater, recycling it to the ground, and recharging groundwater.












                                                                                                                           59






                                                    BIBLIOGRAPHY

         Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc., Bayboo , Washington, D.C., Bems and Kay, Ltd., 1991.

         Burke, David, G., Meyers, Erik, Tiner, Jr., Ralph, and Groman, Hazel, Protecting Nontidal Wetlands, Chicago,
         American Planning Association, 1988.

         Cavanaugh, Peggy and Spontak, Margaret, Protecting Paradise 300 WUs to Protect Florida's Environment, Fairfield,
         Florida, Phoenix Publishing, 1992.

         Center for Science in the Public Interest, 99 Ways to a Simple Lifeslyle, New York, Anchor Books, 1977.

         East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, The Waterfront PropeM Owner's Guide, Winter Park, Florida,
         1979.


         Fernald, Edward A. and Patton, Donald J. ed., Water Resources Atlas of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida State
         University, Institute of Science and Public Affairs, 1984.

         Florida Cooperative Extension Service, How to CalibratC, Your Sprinkler System, Gainesville, University of Florida,
         Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

         Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, Stormwater Managemen , the Florida State of the Environment
         Series.


         Folit, Ruth, Bay Repair Kit, Sarasota, 1989.

         Hammer, Marie S., Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That Are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects
         Gainesville, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Universityof Florida, Institute of Food andAgricultural Sciences:
         1988.


         Hunter, Linda Mason, The Healthy Home: An Attic-To-Basement Guide to Toxin-Free Living, New York, Pocket
         Books, 1989.

         Livingston, Eric H., Overview of Stormwater Managerngnt, Florida Department of Environmental Regulation.

         Lomax, Ken M., Home Septic Systems Proper Care and Maintenance, Newark, Delaware, Cooperative Extension
         Service, University of Delaware.

         MacEachern, Diane, Save Our Planet 750 EvejydU Was You Can Help Clean Up the Earth, New York, Dell
         Publishing, 1990.

         Myers, Ronald, L. and Ewel, John J., ed., EcoUstems of Florida, Orlando, University of Central Florida Press, 1990.


         Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, Please Don't Feed Our Streams How to Feed Your Lawn
         Without Overloading the Ba , Falls Church, Virginia.

         O'Hara, Kathryn, J., ludicello, Suzanne, and Bierce, Rose, A Citizen's Guide To Plastics In The Oceans: More Than
         A Litter Problem, Washington, D.C., Center For Marine Conservation, 1988.

         Rosen, Morris, ed., Xeriscape Plant Guide 11, West Palm Beach, South Florida Water Management District.


         60







           Schauffer, Flis, Watershed: An Action Guide to Improving Maine Waters, Maine Department of Environmental
           Protection, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Maine, 1990.

           Sheehan, Amy, "How Your Garden Grows", The Ft. Myers News-Press, Feb. 2,1992, pages 1D-2D.

           Shiffman, John, "Leaking Tanks Put Water Supplies at Risk", The Ft. Myers News-Press     Aug. 9,1992, pages 1A, 7A.

           Sponenberg, Torsten D., Kahn, Jacob H., and Sevebeck, Kathryn P., A Homeowner's Guide To Septic Systems,
           Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Water Resources Research Center,
           1985.


           Stephens, J.M., Dunn, R.A., Kidder, G., Short, D., and Simone, G.W., Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide,
           Gainesville, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, 1989.

           Taggart, Judith and Bracht, Betty, Handle With Care Your Guide To Preventing Water Pollution, Washington, D.C.,
           The Terrene Institute, 1991.








































                                                                                                                            61






                                               RESOURCES

                             Contact the following agencies and organizations.

       For information about household hazardous waste and recycling.
       Solid Waste Department
       Collier County Environmental Services Division
       3301 E. Tamiami Trail
       Building H
       Naples, FL 33962
       (813) 732-2507

       Safety dispose of household hazardous waste:

       Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
       Collier County, Naples Landfill
       Landfill Road (off County Road 951)
       (currently open 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturdays)
       (813) 455-2830

       Recycle motor oil and car batteries at thefollowingfacilitles.
       Recycledyard waste mulch is available in commercial and residential quantities at these same locations.
       Naples Transfer Station                          Carnestown Transfer Station
       W. Enterprise Avenue (off Airport-Pulling Road)  County Road 29 and East U.S. 41
       643-3099                                         695-4331

       Marco Island Transfer Station                    Immokalee Landfill
       Elkcam Circle (next to the fire station)         700 Stockade Road
       394-2134                                         657-6566



       To report the discovery of oil or hazardous waste in a waterbody or a large pesticide spill or one directly into
       water.

       Emergency Management Naples
       Collier County Emergency Services Division
       3301 E. Tamiami Trail
       Building F
       Naples, FL 33962
       (813) 774-8444

       For information about home water conservation and conserving water through creative landscaping.
       South Florida Water Management District
       Big Cypress Basin
       6167 Jane Lane
       Naples, FL 33942
       (813) 597-1505

       62







            For information about lawn care and landscape, gardening, and integratedpest management.
            Collier County Extension Service
            14700 Immokalee Road (10 miles east of 1-75)
            Naples, FL 33964
            (813) 353-4244

            For infonnation concerning variances and vegetation removalpermits:
            Project Review Services
            Collier County Community Development Services Division
            2800 N. Horseshoe Drive
            Naples, FL 33942
            (813) 643-8471

            To informfield staff after receiving a vegetation removalpermit.-
            Compliance Services
            (813) 643-8458 or 643-8459

            For b1formation concerning boat dock permits:

            Customer Service
            Collier County Community Development Services Division
            2800 N. Horseshoe Drive
            Naples, FL 33942
            (813) 643-8400

            For iqformadon about   aquatic plant control.
            Water Management Department                                  Florida Department of Natural Resources
            Collier County Environmental Services Division               Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management
            3301 E. Tamiami Trail                                        300 Business Parkway Suite B-100
            Building H                                                   Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
            Naples, FL 33962                                             (407) 793-5666
            (813) 732-2501

            To report mangrove violations, excessive turbidity, prop dredging through seagrass beds, and damage to submerged
            natural resources:
            Florida Department of Environmental Regulation               Florida Department of Natural Resources
            South Florida District                                       Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves
            2269 Bay Street                                              2295 Victoria Avenue Suite 166A-D
            Ft. Myers, FL 33901                                          Ft. Myers, FL 33901
            (813) 332-6975                                               (813) 332-6996







                                                                                                                       63







       To report derellet vessels, iy#ured manatees or marine mammal strandings, boating andfuhing violations, iffegat
       dumpingfrom boats, and other law eqforcement matters:

       Florida Marine Patrol
       Division of Law Enforcement
       District 5 Office
       2423 Edwards Drive
       Ft. Myers, FL 33901
       (813) 332-6966
       1-800-DIAL FNIP (1-800-342-5367)

       For ass istance in dealing with an injured bird or animal andfor information about the Adopt-A-Shore program:

       The Conservancy, Inc.
       1450 Merrihue Drive
       Naples, FL 33942
       (813) 262-0304

       For iqformation about the Adopt-A-Roadprogram:

       Road and Bridge Facility
       Collier County Transportation Services Division
       2901 County Barn Road
       Naples, FL 33962
       (813) 774-8925

       For information about sea turtk monitoring:

       Natural Resources Department
       Collier County Environmental Services Division
       3301 E. Tamiami Trail
       Building H
       Naples, FL 33962
       (813) 732-2505

       For information about land trust organizations:


       Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust
       P.O. Box 2721
       Naples, FL 33939
       (813) 597-1001


       Note: Telephone numbers and addresses are subjec        t to change.





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            Using The Household Hazardous Waste Chart

            The Household Hazardous Waste Chart is a reference to safe,
            effective disposal of wastes in the home.

            Water Drop: indicates materials which can be poured down the
            drain with plenty of water for dilution.

            CAUTION: Some chemical substances cannot be used with septic
            tanks. Read labels carefully. Products are now required to carry
            warnings if damage to septic systems can occur. Such materials
            should be taken to a location where the wastewater is sent to a
            secondary wastewater treatment plant or to a hazardous waste
            collection center. Treat older, unlabeled products and unknown
            chemicals as materials to be taken to a hazardous waste collection
            center.


            CAUTION: Never pour a succession of different household
            chemicals down the drain one after another.


            CAUTION: Do not use strong cleaning agents such as chlorine
            bleach or drain openers immediately before or after hazardous
            waste is poured down the drain.

            Garbage Can: indicates materials which can be set out for curbside
            trash collection for disposal in a sanitary landfill.

            X Symbol: indicates materials and their empty containers which

            Recycling Symbol: indicates materials which are recyclable.

            Resource: Refer to Resources in the Appendix for recycling
            locations. Call the Collier County Solid Waste Department at 732-
            2507 for more information.




















                                                                                                                    65


~0




                  HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CHART


                  ~6q6 Pour with caution                 Trash can it X Save for hazardous waste collection ~*~.~*~# Recycle it

          TYPE OF WASTE                                                                            ~q6               ~q1~q3              ~0qX               ~-~*~qe

          KITCHEN
          ,Aerosol cans (empty)
          Aluminum cleaners

          Ammonia based cleaners
          Bug sprays                                                                                                               ~0qX
          Drain cleaners
          Floor care products                                                                                                      ~0qX
          ~F~Fu~r~n~ture 'polish                                                                                                     ~4qX
          Metal polish with solvent                                                                                                ~0qX
          Window cleaner
          Oven cleaner (lye base)
          BATHROOM
          ,Alcohol based lotions
          ~~(aftershave, perfumes, etc)

          Bathroom cleaners
          ~@Depilator~ies
          Disinfectants
          'permanent.   lotions
          Hair  relaxers
          ~qW~ed~~6~ne~- ~', (expired)
          Nail polish (solidified)
          'Nail polish  remover
          ~
          ,(solidified)
          Toilet bowel    cleaner
          ~~qY~6b arid' ~qt~-~qle~' cleaners

          GARAGE

          Antifreeze

          Automatic transmission fluid                                                                                             ~0qX

                body repair products
          Battery acid (or battery)                                                                                                ~6qX
          ,Brake ~qi~qlu~id                                                                                                             ~6qX ~-
          Car wax with solvent                                                                                                     ~36qX

          ~@D~iesel fuel                                                                                                             ~40qX

          Fuel oil                                                                                                                 ~44qX

          ~qjGasohne                                                                                                                 ~44qX

          Kerosene

          Metal polish   with solvent
          Motor oil                                                                                                                ~36qX
          ~@0~'ther- oils

          windshield washer solution


          66
 








                   WORKSHOP

                   Paint brush cleaner with solvent                                                                                                0qX                2q4.

                   Paint brush cleaner with TSP

                   Aerosol cans (empty)
                   Cutting oil                                                                                                                     2qX
                   Glue (solvent based)                                                                                                            6qX
                   Glue (water based)

                   Paint-lalex
                   Paint--oil based                                                                                                                6qX
                   Paint--auto                                                                                                                     6qX
                   Paint--model                                                                                                                   6qX
                   Paint thinner                                                                                                                   0qX                8q4-

                   Paint stripper                                                                                                                  0qX
                   Paint stripper  (lye base)                                                                    qra
                   Primer                                                                                                                           6qX

                   Rust remover (with phosphoric
                   acid)
                   Turpentine                                                                                                                      0qX                2q4t

                   Varnish                                                                                                                         0qX
                   Wood     preservative                                                                                                           6qX
                   GARDEN

                   Fertilizer
                   Fungicide                                                                                                                       2qX
                   Herbicide                                                                                                                       0qX
                   Insecticide                                                                                                                     8qX
                   Rat poison                                                                                                                      0qX
                   Weed killer                                                                                                                     0qX
                   MISCELLANEOUS
                   Ammunition                                                                                                                      0qX
                   Artist's paints, mediums                                                                                                        0qX

                   Dry cleaning solvents
                                                                                                                                                   0qX

                   Fiberglass epoxy                                                                                                                6qX
                   Gun cleaning solvents                                                                                                           0qX                2q4.
                   Lighter fluid                                                                                                                   6qX
                   Mercury    batteries                                                                                                            0qX
                   Moth balls                                                                                                                      6qX
                   Old fire alarms                                                                                                                 4qX

                   Photographic     chemicals
                   (unmixed)                                                                                                                       32qX

                   Photographic chemicals (mixed
                        property diluted

                   Shoe polish
                   'Swimming pool acid                                                                                                             40qX


                   The Household Hazardous Waste Chart is based on information from the United States Environmental Protec-
                   tion Agency's Hazardous Waste regulations. The chart has been reprinted with the permission of the Water
                   Environment Federation, formerly the Water Pollution Control Federation, 1987. Telephone- 1-800-666-0206.


                                                                                                                                                                        67
 





                                                   SELF EVALUATION

               Please answer the following questionnaire (anonymously, if you like) and return it within six weeks to
               three months to:


               Ginger Hinchcliff
               DNR/ Rookery Bay NERR
               10 Shell Island Road
               Naples, FL 33962

               We would like to know if Keep It Clean has been useful to you.
               Please be as concise as possible. Your responses will assist staff in evaluating the guide and help us
               develop future educational outreach programs. Answer those questions that are relevant to you. Leave
               non-applicable areas blank. Thank You!

               Do you have a better understanding of Florida's water pollution problems, Rookery Bay and estuarine
               resources, and watersheds?

                                                             ATHOME


               Comment on the steps you have taken or plan to take regarding: household chemicals, home water.
               conservation, septic tanks, auto care, pets, aquariums, pools, and other areas involving the home.













                                                   FRONT YARD/BACKYARD

               Comment on specific actions that you have taken or plan to initiate in the future to limit surface runoff
               and help keep surface runoff clean, particularly with respect to lawn and landscape, erosion and
               sediments, permeable pavements, contouring, terracing, and infiltration devices, gardening, fertilizers,
               and pesticides.





                      ea 4&Nf ffw da&,d &cc
                                                                                                                      69






                                                Waterfront Property

       Comment on specific plans to maintain or restore the natural slope of the shoreline and native vegetation.
       Comment on actions or plans regarding coastal structures such as seawalls.










                                                   RECREATION


       Comment on steps you have taken to lessen the impact of recreational activities on our waters. We are
       especially interested in actions regarding boating, recreational crafts and vehicles, marine dumping and
       debris, beach outings, golf, and any other relevant activities.









                                                   COMMUNITY


       Comment on actions you have taken or plan to take to increase your community involvement and help the
       community become "water wise".









       Additional comments, criticisms, suggestions, ideas, and points not raised that need to be addressed  .....











       70








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