Using the information contained in this report, we have assembled resources you can use in everyday life to protect and improve environmental conditions throughout the county. Remember, while no one individual can completely effect environmental quality, with the combined efforts of each of us in our community, we can make a world of difference!

Ground-Level Ozone

You can take constructive steps to reduce smog-related emissions including: limiting car use by taking public transportation, carpooling, or walking or biking to work, and by consolidating trips and errands. Also, keep car, boat, and lawn mower engines tuned up for maximum efficiency, and keep car tires fully inflated. Use push-mowers if your lawn size permits, and shrink lawn areas down to a manageable size through mulching and substituting ground covers for turf. Visit our Air Quality Homepage.

Radon

Visit the Radon Homepage containing information about radon, licensed testing professionals, mitigation contractors, and testing laboratories, in addition to facts about carbon monoxide and other potential indoor air quality risks.

Solid Waste/Recycling

Recycling and reducing waste (and reusing materials) reduces the need for manufacturing new products or processing raw materials, thereby reducing atmospheric pollutants and other potentially hazardous byproducts. The Division of Solid Waste Services offers recycling and waste reduction programs for single family homes, multifamily residences, and businesses, as well as household hazardous waste collections.
Contact DSWS at 240.777.6400; recycle@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Biodiversity

To begin measuring the existing quality of our natural environment and provide trend information, DEP will initiate a variety of ongoing monitoring programs, starting Summer 2000 with a five-year breeding bird and habitat census. A limited number of volunteer positions are available for experienced birders. All county residents are encouraged to participate; inexperienced birders will be paired with an experienced person. Positions are for field work, data gathering, data entry, and data analysis. For more information, contact DEP at 240.777.7770.

Stream Buffers

Buffers protect the county streams by providing habitat for wildlife, filtering pollutants, stabilizing streambanks, and shading streams. Learn how you can personally enhance stream buffers on your property with native trees and shrubs by contacting DEP’s Division of Watershed Management. These plantings will add aesthetic beauty to your property while improving environment quality.

Stormwater

Communities with stormwater facilities, such wet or dry ponds, will want to review DEP’s Maintaining Urban Stormwater Facilities: A Guidebook for Common Ownership Communities available online or by contacting DEP. Note that many ponds can also be developed into wildlife habitat areas through landscaping with native plants.

Water Supply

During the summer, 30-50% of the water used around the home is spent on lawns, gardens and other outdoor activities; indoors, 9-13% of all water used is wasted through leaks and drips. Learn more than 25 easy ways to reduce outdoor water consumption and dozens of indoor water saving measures by visiting our WaterWise Page – or call 240.777.7700. Saving water at home helps preserve ecologically sensitive flow rates in our rivers and protects the health of our watersheds.

Energy

During the summer, set air conditioners to 78ºF and consider installing ceiling fans to reduce energy demand. Also, by planting deciduous trees near your home, you will benefit from summer shade (and cooler temperatures), while allowing for warm sunshine in winter. Saving energy saves money and helps to protect our environment from atmospheric pollutants. Visit our EnergyWise Page.

Watershed Quality

Directing the flows from rooftops and paved surfaces over lawns and other vegetated areas reduces stormwater runoff and impacts on streams. Recycling or properly disposing of automotive fluids and other toxic substances helps prevent water contamination and protects aquatic ecosystems. Reducing fertilizer applications and applying them only in the fall helps prevent nutrients from causing devastating algae blooms.