Stormwater Program - Preventing Stormwater Pollution
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Homeowner Action Steps
Household Cleanup
Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don’t pour them onto the ground or into storm drains. Loudon County annually sponsors a Household Hazardous Waste Day in April at the Loudon County Justice Center.
Lawn Care
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.
- Don't overwater your lawn. Use a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers cautiously. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in recommended amounts. Avoid getting the products on paved surfaces where they will wash off into the street or catchbasin. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it on the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
- Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used for landscape projects.
Septic Systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby waterbodies. Pathogens can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.
- Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
- Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets
Auto Care
Washing your car at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a water body.
- Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water is absorbed into the ground.
- Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations./li>
Pet Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.
- When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into waterways.
Residential Landscaping
Permeable Pavement - Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Instead these surfaces rely on storm drains to divert unwanted water. Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through, decreasing stormwater runoff.
Rain Barrels - You can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers. The water can be used later on lawn or garden areas.
Rain Gardens and Grassy Swales - Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains.
Vegetated Filter Strips - Filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.
Commercial and Business Action Steps
All Businesses
Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local water systems.
- Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
- Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.
- Report chemical spills to the local hazardous waste cleanup team.
Construction
Erosion controls that are not maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local waterbodies.
- 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.
Automotive Facilities
- Uncovered fueling stations allow spills to be washed into storm drains. Cars waiting to be repaired can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater.
- Clean spills immediately and properly dispose of cleanup materials.
- Provide cover over fueling stations and design or retrofit facilities for spill containment.
- Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil, gas and other discharges from being washed into local waterbodies.
- Install and maintain oil/water separators.
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