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Polluted storm water runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people.
Plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts washed into lakes, streams, or rivers can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic lifelike ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
Never dump anything down storm drains or in the streams.
Household Hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life.
Take your car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway. Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil. Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals. Do not pour them onto the ground or into storm sewers. Used motor oil and transmission fluid is accepted at all AutoZone and Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores.
Pet waste may contain harmful bacteria and viruses, making water unfit for irrigation, recreation, or other uses.
Whether you are in your yard or on a walk, dispose of your pet’s waste promptly in the trash or toilet to prevent it from entering storm drains and roadside ditches
Too much fertilizer or pesticides can easily wash off lawns or gardens into storm drains and then flow untreated into our streams, lakes and rivers.
Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters. Use less toxic pesticides and herbicides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
Yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to waterways.
Sweep up yard waste, grass clippings and leaves. Don’t leave “green waste” in the streets or sweep it into storm drains or sewers. Compost or mulch yard waste, if possible.
Erosion from single family residential lots individually may not pose a very significant risk; however, numerous residential lots, as found in most subdivisions, can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the storm sewer system. Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow.
Do not place piles of soil, mulch, or other landscaping materials in the street or on sidewalks. Sweep up work areas prior to storm events to prevent materials being washed into the storm sewer system.
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