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Lawn
care
Fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens
wash off and make their way into the storm water systems. Additionally,
decaying organic materials that enter our storm drains, such as,
grass, leaves and yard clippings, will use up oxygen in nearby
streams stressing aquatic life. Also, it can cause lake water
to be murky and smell bad.
- Don't
overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead
of a sprinkler.
- Use
pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Use organic or non-toxic
pesticides and fertilizers as directed, and keep them away from
ditches, gutters and storm drains. Store them in a covered area,
off the ground, to prevent contact with water.
- Compost
and mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep
it into storm drains or streams.
- Do
not apply fertilizers or pesticides before rain is forecast.
Auto
Care
Washing your car on pavement sends detergents directly
into storm drain systems. In addition, oil, grease, copper worn
from brake linings, zinc from tires, and toxics from spilled fluids
make their way into storm drains and do not get treated before
reaching nearby waterbodies. This stresses aquatic life causing
fish to become contaminated and die.
- Use
a commercial car wash to prevent oil and grease, and other toxics
from washing into our storm drains. At home, vehicles should be
washed on the lawn, which can absorb unwanted runoff.
- Repair
leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated
drop-off or recycling locations.
- Avoid
hosing down your garage floor and driveway; instead, sweep regularly
Pet
Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess
nutrients in local waters. This can cause harm to people and
result in beach closures.
- Pick
up pet wastes and dispose of it in the trash or by flushing.
Home
Improvements
Paints, solvents, adhesives, dusts, sediments and household
toxics commonly associated with home repair and remodeling activities
make their way into the local storm drain system. These items do
not get treated before reaching Lake Champlain. Additionally, localized
flooding and polluted standing water damages homes and breeds mosquitoes.
- Clean
paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of
excess paint through a household hazardous waste collection
program. For oil-based paints, brush out as much paint and
possible, clean with thinner, and then filter and reuse
thinner or solvent.
- Common
household cleaners, paint products, and wallpaper and tile adhesives
contain toxic substances. Dispose of these products properly.
- Keep
all construction debris away from the street. Sweep up and properly
dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. Cover
excavated material and stockpiles of asphalt, sand, etc. with
plastic tarps.
- Prevent
erosion by planting fast-growing annual and perennial grasses,
which will shield and bind the soil.
- Bank
and berm around home construction projects to prevent erosion
and sediment from clogging streams, stormwater catch basins and
stormwater drains.
Check
out what's happening in Stormville,
or take a look at our other materials below:
See
what the Regional Stormwater Education Program has been up
to!
View the 2007 presentation
to the Vermont Congressional Delegation. (27MB powerpoint presentation)
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