A North Charleston resident, Derek Norman, has raised serious environmental concerns about potential illegal oil dumping into a neighborhood pond near his home. Norman believes that motor oil is being disposed of improperly, causing a noticeable pollution issue in the water. He first noticed the problem back in March when he observed a shiny purple and green layer sitting on top of the water, which he connected to motor oil.
The Problem of Illegal Oil Dumping
Norman speculates that the oil could be entering the pond through pipes, particularly through storm drain grates located nearby. He noted that the grates were “soaked with oil,” further suggesting that someone might be dumping oil into the storm drains, which eventually leads to the pond. This type of pollution is not just a nuisance; it poses significant risks to the local environment.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has made it clear that dumping used motor oil, whether on the ground, in a septic tank, or down a storm drain, is illegal. The department warns that such activities can have serious consequences, including contamination of the state’s lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
The Treatment of the Pond and the Need for Action
After Norman reached out to neighborhood leaders and city officials, the pond received treatment to address the immediate pollution. However, Norman believes that treating the pond alone is not enough. He emphasizes that the underlying issue, which is the illegal dumping, needs to be addressed for the solution to be effective.
Norman states, “They can treat the pond all they want, but until you clean the pipes and stop the actual cause of people dumping it, it’s not going to do anything.” He argues that the real solution lies in preventing the illegal dumping at its source and cleaning up the pipes that allow the oil to reach the pond.
Safe Disposal of Used Oil
To prevent further environmental damage, Norman encourages residents to dispose of used oil legally, avoiding illegal dumping that harms local ecosystems. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers over 900 collection sites across the state where residents can recycle used motor oil. These sites, including those operated by auto retailers such as Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone, allow people to drop off their used oil safely, where it can be repurposed and transformed into valuable resources.
Christina Moskos, Charleston County’s Environmental Management Program Manager, explained the environmental risks of improper oil disposal, saying, “Used oils are insoluble. They contain heavy metals, and these heavy metals can contaminate the water supply.” She added that this pollution can threaten local ecosystems and potentially lead to public health concerns.
Charleston County’s Efforts to Protect the Environment
Charleston County is actively working to prevent used oil from contaminating the environment by providing multiple collection sites for residents. There are currently eight collection sites across the county where residents can safely dispose of motor oil and cooking oil. These sites help ensure that these oils are disposed of properly, preventing contamination of the region’s waterways and ecosystems.
Moskos emphasized the importance of preserving the coastal environment, saying, “We live in a coastal city. We’re so close to so much water, and we want to preserve those ecosystems and also preserve the health of our communities.”
Norman’s concerns highlight the need for greater awareness about the environmental risks of improper oil disposal. While the pond in his neighborhood has been treated, it’s clear that the key to resolving the issue lies in addressing the root cause—illegal dumping. By properly disposing of used oil at designated collection sites, residents can help protect Charleston’s waterways and safeguard public health.
