What's with all the stains on the roads--gasoline? toxic waste?

[SilverDog]

For weeks, now, there are more and more stains of some mystery fluid for long distances along a lot of asphalt roads.

These are on, e.g., some roads around the p-patch and downtown.

The stains are not going away, so it's probably some kind of nasty solvent. If it's gasoline because of a missing gas cap, then someone has the world's worst fuel economy (except for Hummers which would be even worse).

Years ago, it was said that organized crime would pretend to process industrial toxic waste, but actually drip it on the highways. Is that going on here?

[Macs II]

how old are you again ?

[Giggle Squirt]

most vehicles when running properly will expell water from the tail pipe and when the ac is running which usually runs when the vehicle is on defrost you will get condesatoin from the evap which drips/puddles onthe road also some times oil leaks/tranny leaks rear end leaks do happen. If your so worried about it then get out there with a tooth brush an start scrubbing.

[IMHO]

Wow..I am glad someone is concrned about a problem that will keep most of us up tonight. I am more worried about the lack of painted lines. Lets hope the city has paint in this budget...and soon.

[Macs II]

with 4% property tax increase maybe they can afford some paint

[Blunt]

For weeks, now, there are more and more stains of some mystery fluid for long distances along a lot of asphalt roads.

These are on, e.g., some roads around the p-patch and downtown.

The stains are not going away, so it's probably some kind of nasty solvent. If it's gasoline because of a missing gas cap, then someone has the world's worst fuel economy (except for Hummers which would be even worse).

Years ago, it was said that organized crime would pretend to process industrial toxic waste, but actually drip it on the highways. Is that going on here?

Drugs are bad, mmkay?

[1337]

You might want to analyze the chemical make up of the asphalt that is being stained before worrying about what is staining the asphalt. It's like worrying about spilling orange juice on an orange.

[dancingqueen]

Wow..I am glad someone is concrned about a problem that will keep most of us up tonight. I am more worried about the lack of painted lines. Lets hope the city has paint in this budget...and soon.

Goblins are running around at night and removing the painted on lines to increase traffic deaths to increase their un dead army for the end of times.... duh....

[GRUMPY]

as far as I am concerned we are getting ripped off by the paint that they are using, I know there is wear from the winter however other northern cities don't have the problems of paint disappearing like we do, makes you wonder if there is any graft involved.

[Anapeg]

For weeks, now, there are more and more stains of some mystery fluid for long distances along a lot of asphalt roads.

These are on, e.g., some roads around the p-patch and downtown.

The stains are not going away, so it's probably some kind of nasty solvent. If it's gasoline because of a missing gas cap, then someone has the world's worst fuel economy (except for Hummers which would be even worse).

Years ago, it was said that organized crime would pretend to process industrial toxic waste, but actually drip it on the highways. Is that going on here?

Think back. When was the last time we had a rain heavy enough to wash any stains off the asphalt? In combination with the tires "scrubbing" the roadway you need water to work as a dissolving agent and a vehicle to carry away the offending stain.

[GRUMPY]

you need water to work as a dissolving agent~ even for oil based paint?

[tired-n-cranky]

Everywhere I have been since before Winter, I have seen lines of a chemical sprayed on roads, especially near intersections and on hills. It is a salt concentration to prevent slipping from ice. Not saying that is what you are seeing, but this is what it looks like:

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_imp...arge_brine.JPG

[Evil Monkey]

I heard the astronauts have been rubbing out a few in space and the gravitational pull from the earth is making those stains on the road as it pulls the liquid down to earth from space??? Could it be true? Just watch out for "dandruff" falling from the sky!

[italiandomino]

when I have to pee, i just go where ever i can go .. sometimes I have to pee out the window while i am driving. you have to go, you have to go.

[bluekrissyspikes]

just don't lick the road. you'll be okay

[Anapeg]

you need water to work as a dissolving agent~ even for oil based paint?

No silly! But the detergents in motor oil dripped from traffic concentrate and when water is added it "cleans" the road surface to some extent with the accompanying scrubbing of tires. Oil based paint wears and abrades away under the same scrubbing. They have tried adding substances for longevity such as ground glass and washed sand but with the new environmental concerns not much helps.

[SilverDog]

most vehicles when running properly will expell water from the tail pipe and when the ac is running which usually runs when the vehicle is on defrost you will get condesatoin from the evap which drips/puddles onthe road also some times oil leaks/tranny leaks rear end leaks do happen. If your so worried about it then get out there with a tooth brush an start scrubbing.

The stains are wide and LONG. The amound of liquid was too LARGE for this explanation. Look at the stain southbound on Bruce Street, for example.

[8th]

chase them down on your bike

[SilverDog]

Think back. When was the last time we had a rain heavy enough to wash any stains off the asphalt? In combination with the tires "scrubbing" the roadway you need water to work as a dissolving agent and a vehicle to carry away the offending stain.

You make a good point. My recollection, however, is that these stains were showing up many weeks ago, even when it was raining from time to time. We should find out soon if the forecasted rain arrives.

[SilverDog]

You might want to analyze the chemical make up of the asphalt that is being stained before worrying about what is staining the asphalt. It's like worrying about spilling orange juice on an orange.

Gasoline and many other oil-based solvents are toxic, as is asphalt. That doesn't make the new spills harmless if they are also oil-based.