nessmachin
Registered: December 2017 City/Town/Province: Encinitas Posts: 1
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Throughout my evolution as an artist, nature has been a prominent subject in the majority of my paintings. This compelled me to sign up for AP Environmental Science, where each day I found myself fascinated by the meticulous workings of our planet. Simultaneously, learning about environmental destruction evoked a personal sense of responsibility to use my newfound knowledge for good.
I joined the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, an internship on campus focused on stormwater contaminants and mitigation techniques. Each week, my team and I would clean and observe our assigned drain. During heavy rains, we ventured onto the field, collecting stormwater samples. Upon testing them, we discovered our drain was the most polluted on campus. It contained four times the permitted amount of total suspended solids relative to Environmental Protection Agency benchmarks. This pollution deprived organisms downstream of necessary sunlight, making the ecosystem uninhabitable.
The contamination of local waterways jeopardized an integral aspect of my coastal California community. The beach and surrounding lagoons are truly the lifeline of my city and having had the privilege of living near the ocean, I refused to sit idly.
To address the immediate issue of dirt particles, fellow interns and I placed rocks near the mouth of the drain as part of a temporary bioswale to slow the flow of incoming rainwater and naturally filter pollutants. I also completed a write up of a full-scale bioswale which would use soil and plants with extensive root systems to heighten filtration effects. I used my artistic abilities to raise awareness as well; I drew and distributed posters all over campus educating students on ecological impacts of their actions, and also created a mock up for a mural which I am scheduled to complete in December near the schools most visible drain. As a result of our efforts, I am proud to say, our drain showed the greatest improvement of the year.
I have returned this year as a senior intern and project manager. I am honored to have the opportunity to infuse my passion with purpose for a cause greater than myself.
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