Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – October 2025

Thunderbolt News October 3, 2025 5 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Got Stormwater? Pollution prevention is the goal
When You’re With Us,
Courtesy graphic
By Dylan Cole
PALACE Acquire Program intern
Monsoon season has returned to the Phoenix Valley, and with it, the hope of relief from summer heat. While summer has given us record-breaking tempera- tures and sparse rain, it remains our steadfast duty to keep pollution out of our precious water. Luke Environmental is here to offer guides and tips to keep out waters clean for everyone down the stream.
Shrubbery!
Everyone loves a well-manicured patch of grass or garden, especially here in the desert where cacti and rocks dominate. That said, it’s important to know the responsibilities of cultivating greenery.
1) When using fertilizers (synthetic or organic) and pesticides, always abide by the product labels when determining how much to use and how often. Applying too much can have negative consequences to the environment through runoff ef- fects and may cause harm to people from exposure.
2) Remember to keep watering confined to the early mornings or late evenings to prevent all of it from evaporating. Additionally, ensure that your irrigation system is keeping the water on the soil and not the pavement.
3) It is recommended to use native and/ or nativized plants (those adapted to arid conditions and aren’t invasive) in your landscaping to take advantage of water savings and natural pest resistance.
Crazy Car Karma
Personal autos are the dominant mode of transportation in Phoenix and across the United States, often being the only mode available for many people. The love affair we have with our cars is unbreak- able, but we must be proper stewards when it comes to preventing stormwater pollution.
1) No one likes a leak! Give your car and other vehicles with a combustion engine a good inspection to ensure that everything is tight and ready to run optimally. If your vehicle is experienc- ing a leak of oil, transmission, or some other fluid, use absorbents such as kitty litter (Yes! Kitty litter), sand, or pads to promptly clean the spill and dispose of it properly. Never wash vehicle fluids off into the gutter or storm drain
2) When taking on the herculean task of changing your own motor oil, be sure to collect it and bring it to an auto store for proper recycling—it’s a finite resource and otherwise dumping it will pollute soil and groundwater.
3) Utilize a commercial car wash when- ever available as these have the proper in- frastructure to capture washed-off grime.
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