Caltrans Forced to reduce Oil and Toxic Waste from California's Highways

Another cost of the primacy of the automobile, toxic sludge draining into Southern California's waterways was highlighted yesterday in federal district when Caltrans and the National Resources Defense Council and Santa Monica Baykeeper reached an agreement to limit pollution to the southland's watershed. The agreement calls for a reduction of pollution to 20% below 1994's levels. According to David S. Beckman a Defense Council attorney, This represents a major step forward in the control of storm water runoff -- the largest source of water pollution in the state."
LA Times "State to Curb Toxic Runoff" Dan Weikle January 19, 2008.

The state's Environmental Protection Agency reports that runoff oil alone accounts for 6 million gallons of oil from roads and sidewalks. Compare this with the recent headlines of an oil tanker spill in the San Francisco by which spilled 58,000 gallons of oil from a point source. Most of the oil combines with rubber, metal bits, human waste, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, and brake dust. All of this combines to form a toxic sludge that effects birds, fish, shrimp, and other marine life.