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What is
stormwater pollution?
Anything that gets in the path of a raindrop becomes
stormwater pollution. Another name for stormwater
pollution is non-point source pollution.
How is
stormwater pollution a problem?
Every time it rains, stormwater is carried directly to
our surface waters. That means that stormwater
pollution can have detrimental effects to creeks, lakes,
ponds, rivers and the oceans into which it drains.
What types
of pollutants are in storm water pollution?
Stormwater can carry sediment, trash, automotive fluids
like used oil and antifreeze, grass clippings, leaves,
yard waste, excess fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides
and anything else that gets in its way.
What can
citizens do to prevent storm water pollution?
There are several things citizens can do to prevent stormwater pollution.
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Household
Hazardous Waste
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Never
dump anything down a storm drain. All
storm drains flow directly to creeks and
lakes.
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Take
used oil, paint and other household hazardous
waste to recycling centers.
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Check
your car for oil or other leaks.
Animal
Waste
Lawn
Care
-
Apply
fertilizers and pesticides exactly where you
want them. Avoid over spraying them onto
sidewalks, driveways or streets.
-
Reduce
the amount of fertilizers you need to apply by
testing the soil in your yard first.
Reducing
Runoff
-
Adjust
sprinklers so that you're not watering the
street or sidewalk.
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Redirect
roof gutters to lawns, natural areas or rain
gardens.
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Talk
you car to a car wash instead of washing it on
the driveway.
Geese
and other Waterfowl
Droppings from
geese and ducks can be a significant source of
pathogens that pollute our waterways:
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Don't
feed geese and ducks, it encourages them to
remain and become full-time residents and
create a nuisance
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Feeding
them bread and popcorn in unhealthy for the
birds
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Feeding
concentrates geese and leads to human/goose
conflicts
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Yard
Waste
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Sweep
up yard debris instead of washing it away.
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Bundle
yard waste at the curb for pickup.
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Blow
leaves and grass clippings back into your yard
instead of leaving them in the street to wash
down the storm drain.
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Use
a compost bin to turn yard waste into a useful
gardening product.
Planting
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Replant
bare areas to avoid soil erosion.
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Keep
invasive plants from growing in your yard.
Remove them before they have a chance t grow
and spread.
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Avoid
planting exotic plants. Select only
plants that are native to this area.
Volunteer
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Report
spills, dumping or suspected water pollution
to the Village.
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Clear
clogged storm drains. Blocked drains
cause drainage problems.
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Participate
in community-wide clean up days and other
events.
-
Alert
neighbors to the storm water pollution
problem.
Your
Septic System
Overflowing septic systems can result in
pathogen pollution:
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Have
your septic system inspected at least every 3
years by a professional
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Your
tank pumped as recommended by the inspector
(generally every 3 to 5 years).
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Household
chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides,
antifreeze, paint, etc. should be taken to the
Town S.T.O.P collection sites and not flushed.
Overflowing septic systems can pollute our
waterways.
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Is
it illegal to pollute the storm drainage system?
It is illegal to discharge, cause to be discharged,
directly or indirectly, or cause any pollutant to enter
into the storm drain system unless permitted by a NYSDEC
permit. Storm water is the only discharge permitted
in the storm water system with exception of incidental
non-storm water flows which do not negatively impact the
quality of the receiving stream including:
- Water line
flushing, except super-chlorinated water line
flushing.
- Landscape
irrigation.
- Uncontaminated
groundwater infiltration.
- Uncontaminated,
pumped groundwater.
- Discharge from
potable water sources.
- Foundation
drains.
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- Air
conditioning condensate.
- Irrigation
water.
- Springs.
- Lawn watering.
- De-chlorinated
swimming pool discharge.
- Street wash
water.
- Flows from
emergency fire and rescue operations other
than those resulting from negligence on the
part of the person who owned or controlled the
pollutant.
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