Citizen Stormwater Information
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Everyone has a role
to play in helping to prevent stormwater pollution. Here are some easy
ways for you to help minimize your contributions to the stormwater problem.
Don't Dump Anything Down Storm Drains
Never dump anything other than clean water down
a storm drain inlet. They flow directly to our lakes and streams.
Make a Concerted Effort not to Litter
Debris washed into our water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable
aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles and birds. Some of the most
common litter includes plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles and cigarette
butts.
What you can do to reduce pollution from litter:
- Properly dispose of paper, plastics and other waste.
- Make sure these items don't accidentally blow off your property or
from your car.
- Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways, and parking
lots, especially around storm drains.
Take Care with Your Car Care
Washing your car and dealing with oil and grease at home or at a friend's
home can flush detergents and other contaminants into the storm drain
system and directly into water bodies.
What you can do to reduce pollution by caring for your car properly:
- Wash your vehicles on your lawn or at a car wash facility instead
of in your driveway.
- Keep your automobiles well-tuned so that they are not dripping toxic
fluids or emitting toxic fumes.
- Service your car carefully.
- Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off
and recycling locations.
- Avoid spilling gas on the ground or in the water.
- If you do change your oil at home, use a drop cloth and immediately
clean up any that spills on the ground.
- Use a funnel and don't top off your fuel tank.
- Store, label and dispose of gasoline properly.
Be Careful with Your Lawn and Garden Work
Fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals run off lawns when they are
overwatered or applied before a rain storm. Some lawn chemicals can be
applied before a rain, but the directions on the product should be read
carefully. Mulch and other yard waste also washes off lawns and into storm
drains.
What you can do to reduce pollution by caring for your lawns and gardens
properly:
- Don't over-use or over-dose lawn chemicals. Be conservative
with pesticides and herbicides (weed killers) and try natural alternatives.
Call your local Extension Service or Maine DEP to find out more about
natural pesticides.
- Do not use chemicals on your lawn before it is expected to rain,
and try using organic or slow-release products, which are better for
your lawn and for the environment
- Lawns need less than an inch of water per week. If it rains an inch,
do not water. Try using a rain gauge.
- Keep your leaves and grass clippings out of the streets so that they
do not end up washing into the storm drain inlets.
- Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
- Compost yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it
into storm drains or streams.
- Keep your gas powered lawn mowers or blowers well tuned so that they
are not dripping toxic fluids or emitting toxic fumes.
- Don't use gas to burn brush.
Use Proper Chemical Storage, Use and Disposal Techniques
You may be surprised to learn that you likely have numerous hazardous
materials in your home. If stored, used or disposed of improperly, you
may be contributing to contamination of your local drinking water or the
watershed you live in. Some examples of hazardous wastes that may be in
your home include cleaning products for drains, ovens, and jewelry; oil-based
paints, varnishes, stains and dyes; paint thinners, solvents and strippers;
soil, stain and spot removers; detergents and bleachers; and photographic
chemicals.
What you can do to reduce pollution by properly storing, using and disposing
of household chemicals:
- Don't dispose of any chemicals by pouring them on the ground or down
the drain or toilet.
- Store chemicals in rugged, sealable, spill-resistant containers.
- Clearly label all containers with contents, especially if not the
original.
- Read and follow the chemical's directions on the packaging.
- Call your municipality to find out about proper disposal techniques
and locations.
- Bring unused hazardous chemicals to your local, annual Household
Hazardous Waste Day.
- Dispose of chemicals as specified on the product's labeling.
- Don't over-use or over-dose household chemicals.
- Make sure your air conditioners are in good working order and not
leaking harmful chemicals.
- Install early closing toilet flappers and water conserving shower
heads.
- Remember that the true cost of the chemical you use includes the time
and money needed to properly dispose of it.
- To find out where to drop off your household chemicals, go to the
Maine
State Planning Office website.
Clean Up Pet and Other Domestic Animal Waste
Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing
harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and eventually
into local water bodies. Farms and other areas that have large numbers
of livestock or other animals can contribute to pollution from runoff
as well.
What you can do to reduce pollution by cleaning up after your animal(s):
- Pick pet waste up in a bag and dispose of it properly in the trash
if allowed locally.
- Flush it down the toilet.
- Bury it in the yard away from the garden and well-traveled areas.
Report Spills
Reporting spills of chemicals and other pollutants immediately decreases
the likelihood it will have the opportunity to enter a water body directly
or a storm drain system indirectly.
How to report a spill:
- Report any non-emergency type pollution problem to your local government
offices.
- For emergency pollution problems, such as major spills, call 911.
- For more information about sources and cleanup, check out the US
Environmental Protection Website
Fix and Maintain Healthy Septic Systems and Use Proper
Storage Systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release bacteria and viruses
that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby water bodies.
This can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.
What you can do to reduce pollution by maintaining your septic system
and using proper storage systems:
- Inspect your septic system every year.
- Pump your tank as often as necessary (every 3-5 years).
- Fix leaks and potential problems in a timely manner.
- Avoid practices that might damage your septic tank and leach field.
- Don't use septic system cleaners or additives containing acids or
chemical solvents such as Tricholoroethelyne (TCE).
- Don't overload your septic system with solids by using a garbage
grinder unless the system was specifically designed for one.
- Don't use abandoned wells or holes for waste disposal.
- Don't neglect your underground fuel storage tank (UST).
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