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Storm Drains when it Rains
Unlike water that goes down the drain into the sewer, water that flows into our storm drains is not filtered or treated for pollutants. Many people mistakenly believe storm drain inlets empty to the water treatment facility, so they pour chemicals or sweep debris directly into storm drains. This dumping greatly increases the level of nonpoint source pollutants (NSP) such as leaves, soil, litter, fertilizers, pesticides, and street residues, which contribute substantially to a decline in water quality.
Most people would not pour oil, antifreeze, grass clippings, paint, pet waste, or cigarette butts directly into the bayou or Lake Brownwood. However, when materials are disposed of into the gutters or storm drains it goes directly into our waterways.
Litter and debris, particularly plastic items that float, spoil the beauty of lakes, rivers and bayous and can be harmful to fish and birds who mistake them for food. Pesticides, antifreeze, and motor oil contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, and plants. Just one quart of motor oil can ruin the quality of 250,000 gallons of water.
There are very simple ways to decrease NSP in our local waterways: Do not blow grass clippings into the road. When left on the lawn, properly mowed grass clippings filter down to the soil and decompose rapidly, usually within a few weeks. During the breakdown process, the clippings feed soil organisms, recycle plant nutrients, and contribute organic matter to the soil. As a result, water is conserved, less fertilizer is needed and it decreases the pollutants that go into the waterways. Dispose of litter in a trash bin. If litter is on the ground and it rains, that litter will most likely end up in the storm drain. This is especially true of cigarette butts. Take used oils to the recycling center. The city’s recycling center is on FM 45 and open Monday through Saturday 8 am to 4:30pm.
Join Keep Brownwood Beautiful (KBB) in developing a storm drain-stenciling program. This program has volunteers labeling storm drain inlets with messages reminding citizens not to dump polluting materials. If you or your group is interested in helping with the stenciling, call KBB at 641-0533. This is an ideal project for the scouting groups.
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Contact Information:Keep Brownwood Beautiful PO Box 1105/114 Center Avenue Suite 201 Brownwood, TX 76804 325.641.0533 Executive Director: Cary Perrin
Last modified: 2-1-08 Designed by Nuovo Adventures copyright 2008 caryleigh@verizon.net
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