Cars, Automotive Fluids, and Motor Oil
There are a number of ways illegal dumping of automotive materials results in water pollution:
- Runoff of motor oil, dirt, brake dust, automotive fluids, and antifreeze chemicals threaten surface water and will eventually get into ground water. Some motor vehicle parts contain hazardous substances, in addition to gasoline and other fluids motor vehicle parts may contain additional haardous substances that must be properly disposed of.
- Leaking fuel tanks release gasoline and diesel fuels into soil and surface water, which eventually pollutes the ground water. Fuel once it gets into the groundwater tends to accumulate as cannot evaporate, is not easily broken down, and does not get diluted or dispersed because groundwater tends to move slowly.
- Improperly disposed of motor oil accounts is hazardous to the environment. A single gallon of used oil can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. Used motor oil contains heavy metal materials as well as antifreeze and gasoline.
- Abandoned vehicles generate larger sets of problems involving motor vehicle regulation, vehicle theft, social disorder, and the illegal disposal of bulky, hazardous waste. Abandoned vehicles are often unregistered and may have defaced identification numbers.
- Abandoned vehicles attract vandals, may be used for drug drops, accumulate refuse, and may be used as shelters by the homeless or wildlife.