How Does Motor Oil Affect the Earth?
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, "Americans spill 180 gallons of used oil each year into the nation's waters." The organization deems used motor oil as "the largest single source of oil pollution in lakes, streams and rivers" in the United States. Used motor oil has a negative impact on the environment by polluting surface and ground water, reducing the availability of clean water for humans, animals and plant life.
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The Facts
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Motor oil enters the nation's waterways by two primary means. Oil that leaks from cars onto streets and parking areas enters storm drains and is discharged directly into surface waterways. Oil improperly disposed of on land surfaces leaches into the soil and contaminates ground water. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection notes that the amount of motor oil spilled each year into U.S. waters "is sixteen times the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdez."
Significance
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As observed by the Auburn University Environmental Education Extension, motor oil contains inherent toxic chemical and additive properties that are hazardous to humans, plants and animals. In addition, used motor oil picks up additional toxic elements from vehicle engines. This organization notes that the environmental effects of motor oil are a concern in both air and water quality.
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Considerations
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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the largest single source of oil pollution in the nation's water supplies comes from do-it-yourself oil changes. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that "60 percent" of those who change their own oil dispose of it improperly. The EPA notes that the motor oil "from a single oil change" disposed of improperly can contaminate "one million gallons of fresh water."
Prevention/Solution
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Giving prompt attention to vehicle oil leaks is one means of preventing environmental motor oil contamination. Miami-Dade Environmental Resources recommends four effective measures do-it-yourself oil changers can follow to prevent motor oil pollution: Avoid oil spills while changing oil; refrain from pouring used oil on the ground or into storm drains; avoid disposing of used oil in household trash containers; and take used motor oil to a recycling facility.
Warning
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Penalties for irresponsible disposal of used motor oil can include steep fines and even imprisonment. In Texas for example, according to the city of Midland, intentionally dumping used motor oil can draw fines from $1,000 to $50,000 and up to five years' imprisonment for each day the violation has occurred.
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References
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: Clean water is important to all of us.
- Auburn University Environmental Education Extension: Recycling Used Motor Oil.
- Miami-Dade Environmental Resources: Used Oil Disposal.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: You dump it, you drink it.
- Keep Midland Beautiful: Did you know that polluting our environment can be a crime?
- Photo Credit nappe de gasoil image by dominique touchard from Fotolia.com
