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What are some things we can do to reduce polluted
runoff?
Individually
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Do not
blow leaves and grass into storm drains or ditches -
Dumping leaves and grass clippings into the stormwater management
system impacts streams. The increase in nutrients associated
with grass clippings can cause algae growth, which can kill fish and
other aquatic life. |
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Never
pour anything other than stormwater down a storm drain -
Pouring chemicals down a storm drain has the same impact as dumping
the chemicals directly into a stream. Never wash a
chemical such as paint or cleaner fluids into a storm
drain. |
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Keep
your pets away from waterside areas and when walking pets, clean up
after them - Animal
waste contains bacteria, which is harmful to streams. Pick up
all pet waste and dispose of it properly by wrapping it and placing
it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet. Never dispose
of pet waste in a storm drain. |
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Properly
maintain septic systems – Improperly maintained septic systems make leak waste, which
contains bacteria and harmful chemicals, into streams. |
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Follow
Manufacturer’s specifications when using fertilizer, pesticides, and
herbicides - Applying
fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides in excess
leads to stormwater pollution. The excess chemicals wash
off the lawns with the next rain, and flow into the nearest storm
drain and directly to the nearest stream. Once they reach the
stream, these chemicals will degrade water quality and are very
harmful to aquatic and wildlife. |
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Report
any unauthorized dumping or pollution – You can
help reduce the pollution in our streams by being a good stormwater
steward. You can now report problems online. |
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Business
Owners
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Recycle
oil and grease; do not pour oil and grease into sinks, drains or
onto streets and parking areas –
Oils and grease contain heavy metals which are hazardous to stream
vegetation and animal life. Oils poured onto pavement or other
hardened surfaces will wash off and into streams with the next
rainfall.
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Properly
dispose of contaminated water and chemicals –
if materials are improperly stored, or kept in open areas, they can
mix with stormwater during the next rain.
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Keep
toxic materials contained and stored properly
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Keep the
lids of dumpsters closed and make sure they are clean and not
leaking
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Developers
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Implement
measures for erosion control to help prevent and alleviate
stormwater runoff
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Clean up
daily by sweeping and cleaning sites to prevent soils and other
debris from being tracked onto roadways
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Locate
construction sites away from water bodies, downward sloping
driveways, and streets
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Revegetate
as soon as possible to help control erosion
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Limit
the amount of disturbed area at any one time to help control
erosion
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
(Use this link to view common questions and answers about Stormwater
Management.)
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