April is a month of transition, with warmer weather and flowers blooming in the landscape replacing the drab winter landscape. April has many important observances including Earth Day on April 22nd.

Earth Day has special resonance to those of us employed in the power pavement sweeping industry. This is because we are aware of the positive impact our regular sweeping services have on local environments.

It is no secret that paved surfaces and parking lots accumulate litter. Unfortunately, that is only the most visible top layer of a multi level issue. Your parking lot and driveways can and will also acumulate hydrocarbons such as gas and oil, particulates, and other undesirable pollutants.

The issue with these pollutants and debris remaining on your paved surfaces is that they will be easily carried through the storm sewer system into waterways the next time it rains. Regular power sweeping service helps eliminate these potentially harmful pollutants before they can be washed into storm systems that enter lakes and rivers, and may even flow out to our oceans.

COVID-19 has brought a new challenge. Since the pandemic began, our sweepers are now picking up unimaginable numbers of masks, gloves, face shields, sanitizer wipes and other protective gear from the parking lots we service.

In the power sweeping industry, we believe strongly that nothing but rain should ever go down a storm drain under any circumstances. For more information, contact Smith Property Services today!