Ground Pollution Construction  site  work,  repair,  and  maintenance of   facilities   have   the   immediate   potential   for becoming  polluting  activities.  Since  the  majority  of construction   efforts   take   place   on   land,   project supervisors  must  identify  potential  pollution  hazards and  take  steps  to  minimize  their  effects.  Some  of  the most   common   pollution   activities   that   affect   the ground  areas  and  water  ecosystems  are  grubbing  and equipment  repair  operations. Large-scale   clearing   and   grubbing   during   the initial   stages   of   a   project   often   produce   damaging environmental  effects,  such  as  increased  soil  erosion, reduction  of  atmospheric  oxygen,  and  destruction  of wildlife   habitat.   Another   primary   concern   is   the introduction   of   particulate   matter   into   streams   and riverbeds.  Particulate  matter  released  into  waterways causes  increased  siltation  and  algae  growth. To   prevent   these   damaging   effects,   you   should save  as  much  vegetation  as  possible  such  as  trees, grass,  and  other  plants  that  hold  the  soil  in  place. Consider  allowing  tree  rows  to  be  left  in  place  until the   project   is   completed.   Replant   cleared   areas. Construct  a  shallow  trench  around  the  perimeter  of  a project  to  help  contain  water  runoff  into  streams  and rivers  and  to  prevent  siltation.  The  decision  to  burn scrubs  and  stumps  should  be  based  on  atmospheric conditions. You should burn only when conditions are favorable and the material to be burned is totally dry. A  burn  permit  is  required  for  all  burning  operations! To   prevent   wild   fires   and   of   smog,   do   NOT   use petroleum-based  fuels  to  start  fires!  Petroleum-based fuels  do  not  burn  completely,  and  the  residue  seeps into  the  underground  water  table. AIR  POLLUTION As a crew leader, be aware of work conditions that cause   air   pollution   and   the   efforts   required   to minimize or connect such problems. When   incomplete   combustion   occurs   in   base boilers,   space   heaters,   and   stoves,   the   unburned hydrocarbons  and  the  various  other  fuel  components combine   chemically   to   form   by-products.   Many   of these  by-products  are  harmful  to  people  and  the environment. The by-products that have the most adverse effect on  the  air  are  carbon  monoxide,  particulate  matter, sulfur   oxides,   unburned   hydrocarbons,   nitrogen oxides,   and   lead.   The   most   effective   means   of controlling   air   pollution   from   incomplete   fuel combustion is to maintain the equipment properly and frequently.  Another  means  of  lessening  air  pollution, not always under your control, is the use of only the best  grade  of  fuel.  High-grade  fuel  contains  low particulate  matter,  low  water  and  sulfur  content,  and few  contaminants. SOLID WASTE The   Environmental   Protection   Agency   (EPA) defines solid waste as “any garbage, refuse, or sludge from  a  waste  treatment  plant,  water  supply  treatment plant,  air  pollution  control  facility,  or  any  other discarded  material,  including  solid,  liquid,  semisolid, or   contained   gaseous   material   resulting   from industrial  (including  construction),  commercial, mining,   or   agricultural   operations   or   community activities.”   Solid   waste   is   a   growing   international concern and it has reached critical proportions in many areas. The   present   practice   of   disposing   construction waste  by  burying  the  material  on  site  is  n o   longer considered   a   viable   method   of   disposal.   All construction   and   demolition   materials   must   be disposed  of  in  a  safe,  logical  way  to  prevent  future damage  to  the  ecosystems.  Recycling  is a very good alternative to disposing of certain material. Solid wastes are best disposed of in one or more of the following ways: Shredding Baling Source  separation Recycling Comporting Incineration Landfill  disposal The term disposal identifies the point at which the Navy relinquishes control of its solid waste or provides for  its  ultimate  disposal  in  Navy-operated  facilities. Presently,  the  most  practical  way  to  dispose  of  solid wastes  is  through  the  sanitary  landfill  method.  The Navy   has   recycling   and   incineration   facilities currently in operation. In Norfolk, Virginia, the Navy uses   a   heat   reclamation   unit   to   produce   steam; however, these units are in the experimental stage and are not presently in general use. Each of the disposal methods  helps  to  reduce  the  initial  volume  of  solid waste,  but  each  method  leaves  varying  amounts  of 1-21