Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Taking care of Saratoga Creek is a community effort

By Ann Lucena

As a little girl, I associated the Saratoga Creek with abundant life, peace and nature. Nowhere in that beautiful image did I picture sewage, high levels of bacteria and hazardous chemicals. However, recently the Saratoga Creek--like many other streams across the Bay Area--has gone from pristine to polluted.

In 1998, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency listed our creek, along with 34 others in the Bay Area, as "impaired waters" because it was polluted by Diazinon, an organophosphorus pesticide. This chemical, employed in agriculture and households, is very toxic to the aquatic life that thrives in creeks, birds and especially invertebrates. Although at low levels it has very few effects on humans, the EPA reports a high level of exposure or ingestion can lead to headaches, difficulty breathing, coma and even death. It is also has strong effects on children. A 2004 children's health research study in New York found a strong correlation between the increased presence of Diazinon in the umbilical cord and decreased birth weight and length in babies.

Because of its effects, Diazinon has been banned from use on golf courses and sod farms. In 2000, the EPA also instituted a gradual phase-out of Diazinon in most pesticides. These steps are commendable. However, the problem of Diazinon is just a small indicator of the much larger, widespread problem of water pollution in the Bay Area. The pollutants that end up in our creek through storm drains eventually flow into the bay.

While the issue of Diazinon has been largely addressed, pollution--both in our creek and in the bay--is still a major concern. We, as a community, can take small, crucial steps to reduce the problem. By utilizing organic methods of maintaining healthy, fertile gardens, we can keep harmful pesticides and herbicides from reaching our streams. The website for protection of Baxter Creek in Contra Costa County suggests we can cut down our usage of chemicals by putting diatomaceous earth and insect-attacking nematodes in our gardens to control pests. To further prevent water pollution, we can wash our cars on unpaved areas using nontoxic detergents. Alternately, by taking our cars to car washes, we can prevent even more storm drain pollution, because, as the International Car Wash Association states, "The Clean Water Act (of 1972) mandates professional car washes to pipe dirty water to treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities."

Arguably, it is costly and challenging to employ alternative methods of cleaning and gardening. It can be an extra burden to find the appropriate eco-friendly soaps and products. Nevertheless, the value of preserving the beauty and health of our creek, and ultimately our Bay, is much greater. The small sacrifices we make as a community are crucial steps in awareness and responsibility that will ensure the next generation can also enjoy our natural treasures.

There is a very high price to pay if we do not act, both in our community and across the Bay Area. First, there is the loss of unique resources. Our creek flows through the heart of our city. It provides a wonderful environment for children to play, learn and explore. It also gives students the opportunity to study nature and ecosystems. Second, our creek is a beautiful, natural treasure where Saratogans can go to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the natural world. With the increased risks of being near and touching the water, the community loses a valuable source of hands-on learning as well as the aesthetic splendor of nature.

Additionally, our creek is a natural habitat for many species of birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates. The presence of Diazinon and other factors (including acid rain, the influx of non-native species and previously high levels of bacteria) have virtually eliminated many creatures. Where flora and fauna were once abundant, wildlife is now struggling.

Those who live far from the creek may think they do not affect it. However, regardless of distance, we all contribute to water pollution because anything that flows from our homes into storm drains and water runoff systems will eventually end up, untreated, in creeks, rivers and the ocean.

Our Saratoga Creek offered William Campbell the ideal place to build his sawmill in 1848, providing the birthplace of Saratoga. Since then, our city has thrived around the creek. It would be a tragedy if the very community that the creek nurtured were to kill it. Saratoga, as a community, must take action to curb the pollution of storm water runoff. Saratoga Creek's survival--as well as that of the bay--depends on it.

Ann Lucena, a Saratoga resident and college sophomore, loves nature and is concerned with the environment.