Leaf blowers are being used by Palm Beach County grounds keepers near water ways such as inlets and the Intracoastal.  They have been seen blowing debris into the marina, in storm drains and directly into the ocean inlet.  Leaf blowers are not eco-friendly to begin with.  They are a source of air and noise pollution.  They are also the source of water pollution.  Cigarette butts, fishing line, broken glass and other pieces of litter are being blown directly into our water.  Any kind of litter can put our marine and wildlife at risk.

The use of the leaf blowers are just pushing debris around the park area and nothing is being cleaned up.  According to Dr. Andrew Wiel, , "Because they are designed to be air-cooled, the engines release 100% of their tailgate emissions directly into the environment, and since they also burn fuel very inefficiently, a leafblower running for one hour emits as many hydrocarbons and other pollutants into the atmosphere as a car driven at 55 mph for 110 miles".  He also said "Leafblowers literally scour the earth: stripping off topsoil, desiccating roots, and killing vital soil-dwelling organisms, while, at the same time, propelling into the air clouds of dirt, dust and dangerous contaminants: volatile compounds, mold and fungal spores, weed seeds, insect eggs, pollen, molecules of the myriads of toxic chemicals people spray and sprinkle on their gardens, trees, and lawns, not to mention bird and rodent feces, and more."

We have contacted Palm Beach County regarding our concerns about using these machines around our waters that harbor endangered animals such as sea turtles and manatees.  They refused to change their practice of using these machines.  We need your help to protect our environment from these machines.  Please sign our petition so we can make a difference.