Show All Answers

1. Why can't I dump my used motor oil in the drain?

Not only can the used motor oil can contaminate the ground water, runoff from the drain will eventually reach the river or nearby lakes and ponds and can adversely affect aquatic life.

2. Why do I have to contain the silt on my construction site?

The soil that is carried away during a rain event ends up in the city's drainage systems and streets. Not only is this costly for the city to clean up, it can also cause our drainage system to fail. In addition, silt entering our rivers has a negative impact on aquatic life.

3. What happens if I don't keep my silt containment in good working condition?

The city, or EPA may fine the individual permit holder and require all work cease until the situation is addressed.

4. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

5. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.

6. What can I do as a resident to prevent stormwater runoff?

• Compost or mulch yard waste
• Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets
• Don't over water your lawn
• Inspect your septic system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years)
• Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated areas
• Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater or wash your car on your yards so the water infiltrates into the ground
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly
• When walking pets, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly

7. What can I do as a commercial business to prevent stormwater runoff?

• Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks,
• Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team
• Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains

8. What can I do as a construction company to prevent stormwater runoff?

• Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site
• Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them, especially after rainstorms
• Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible