The Demopolis Times May 19, 2004

Dear Editor:

Oil pollution impacts our environment everyday. Project R.O.S.E. (Recycled Oil Saves Energy) is the state used motor oil education and outreach program located in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

We used to describe pollution as an industrial problem, where we pointed to a pipe polluting our rivers, lakes, and streams. Now we realize that our daily activities contribute to non-point source pollution. Oil pollution occurs when gaskets leak oil or when someone disposes of their used motor oil improperly. The only correct way to dispose of used motor oil is to recycle it.

Used motor oil should never be mixed with any other substance, be used to kill weeds or for dust abatement. Leaks should be repaired in cars, trucks, and in boats. When lubricating oil is made, an additive package is added to the oil. During combustion, the oil gets dirty because the additive package breaks down. Oil itself is slow to degrade, is insoluble and it sticks to everything. Combine that with the toxic chemical additives, release it, and the environment is harmed. Eventually this oil pollution can wash into our rivers, lakes and streams, effecting wildlife and drinking water.

Marengo County is fortunate to have numerous locations that volunteer to accept motor oil for recycling (see insert). Collect the oil in a sealed container (a plastic milk jug or 2-liter soda bottle) and recycle in a timely manner. Quantities of less than 5 gallons are generally accepted. For more information about oil recycling or used motor oil collection locations, contact Project R.O.S.E. at http://prose.eng.ua.edu, 1-800-452-5901 (toll free in-state), or (205) 348-4878. Information is also available at www.cleanup.org or 1-800-CLEANUP.

Charlotte Nix

Project R.O.S.E.