Photo by Jim DeLillo
Photojournalist Jim DeLillo was on the scene at Lakeside Blvd. to record Oakland’s Bravest responding to a call for help. The dump truck was delivering a load of sand when it overturned. The driver managed to escape unharmed, but the truck was leaking hazardous material into the road and storm drain. The Mahwah Hazmat team responded with mutual aid as Oakland firefighters utilized absorbent material to contain the spill.
The quick response by the local volunteers exemplifies the need for greater awareness with regards to storm drain pollution. Polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, and contaminate drinking water sources. Residents may not be aware that most storm drains empty directly into local waterways, without treatment.
Photo by Jim DeLillo
In addition to the obvious pollutants, fertilizers, in abundance, cause blooms of algae that can lead to fish kills. Avoid the overuse of fertilizers and do not apply them before a heavy rainfall. Pesticides are also very toxic, and residents should use them responsibly when applied near a waterway.
More pictures of the overturned truck are available at OaklandFD.org. Photos courtesy of Jim DeLillo and The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.