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environmental push
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| Signs like this one, which dot the city, are physical reminders of the progressive actions the city of Pasadena are taking to promote ecological well-being. |
By YVETTE OROZCO
Even with the backdrop of a thriving petrochemical industry, the city of Pasadena is making inroads in environmental action.
Just recently, a local business, Rocha Diesel on Jackson Street, was declared 100 percent in compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality storm water rules in their Compliance Commitment Program, a first for the city.
In the past five years, the city has initiated a host of environmental programs along with sparking community-wide awareness and participation.
Whether it’s in direct response to a more global environmental consciousness or local awakening, the city has placed environmental concerns high on its list of priorities.
“Our volunteers are really making the difference for us,” said Sam Metzger, environmental services manager for the city. “It would not be possible to keep our community as clean as we are without the effort and energy our volunteers expend in caring for our waterways.”
Those volunteers, either corporate or private, have responded to the call with individual groups taking ownership of waterways and streets by keeping them clean as well as keeping vigil of any debris, litter and pollution.
The city has initiated several provisions to correspond to this new climate of action.
The Environmental Services Department screens each major outfall of storm water flowing into the bayou for pollution: color of water, pH, Temp, chlorine, copper, phenols, detergents, ammonia, oil and grease and dissolved oxygen.
If any pollutants are found, the city then tracks back upstream of the outfall to determine if there is any illegal dumping into the storm drain and will take necessary action.
Four storm water sites located throughout the city of Pasadena collect water if rain of least one inch in a two hour period occurs with city subsequently testing the water for pollutants and locating the source.
It is through a growing volunteer force, said Jennifer Banks, the city’s communications specialist, that Pasadena has localized its impact.
“We’re lucky enough to have residents who are stepping up and doing something about the environment,” she said.
For the Adopt-A-Waterway alone, more than 30 groups have assumed responsibility in the protection of their waters.
“I think people are really stepping up and taking pride in the community,” said Banks. “I definitely think it shows that people are more concerned about the environment lately, not just here but everywhere.”
As the city’s volunteer coordinator, Leslie Peckham has watched that development increase in the eleven years she has worked for the city.
“These programs, like Adopt-a-Waterway and Adopt-a-Street – have just really taken off,” she said.
Families, church groups, the fire department, students, small business, and large corporations: they have all met the challenge of a new environmental responsibility through these programs.
“Once people adopt, it gives them a sense of ownership,” said Peckham.
For more information on how to participate on the city’s environmental programs, call 713-474-7259.
Just recently, a local business, Rocha Diesel on Jackson Street, was declared 100 percent in compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality storm water rules in their Compliance Commitment Program, a first for the city.
In the past five years, the city has initiated a host of environmental programs along with sparking community-wide awareness and participation.
Whether it’s in direct response to a more global environmental consciousness or local awakening, the city has placed environmental concerns high on its list of priorities.
“Our volunteers are really making the difference for us,” said Sam Metzger, environmental services manager for the city. “It would not be possible to keep our community as clean as we are without the effort and energy our volunteers expend in caring for our waterways.”
Those volunteers, either corporate or private, have responded to the call with individual groups taking ownership of waterways and streets by keeping them clean as well as keeping vigil of any debris, litter and pollution.
The city has initiated several provisions to correspond to this new climate of action.
The Environmental Services Department screens each major outfall of storm water flowing into the bayou for pollution: color of water, pH, Temp, chlorine, copper, phenols, detergents, ammonia, oil and grease and dissolved oxygen.
If any pollutants are found, the city then tracks back upstream of the outfall to determine if there is any illegal dumping into the storm drain and will take necessary action.
Four storm water sites located throughout the city of Pasadena collect water if rain of least one inch in a two hour period occurs with city subsequently testing the water for pollutants and locating the source.
It is through a growing volunteer force, said Jennifer Banks, the city’s communications specialist, that Pasadena has localized its impact.
“We’re lucky enough to have residents who are stepping up and doing something about the environment,” she said.
For the Adopt-A-Waterway alone, more than 30 groups have assumed responsibility in the protection of their waters.
“I think people are really stepping up and taking pride in the community,” said Banks. “I definitely think it shows that people are more concerned about the environment lately, not just here but everywhere.”
As the city’s volunteer coordinator, Leslie Peckham has watched that development increase in the eleven years she has worked for the city.
“These programs, like Adopt-a-Waterway and Adopt-a-Street – have just really taken off,” she said.
Families, church groups, the fire department, students, small business, and large corporations: they have all met the challenge of a new environmental responsibility through these programs.
“Once people adopt, it gives them a sense of ownership,” said Peckham.
For more information on how to participate on the city’s environmental programs, call 713-474-7259.
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