Stormwater Management

Reducing pollutants in runoff Pesticides and chemicals Pet and animal wastes Automotive wastes Winter salts and deicers Grass clippings and yard wastes Controlling runoff Preventing soil erosion Minimizing paved surfaces Basement flood protection Roof drainage Landscaping

Sediment Nutrients Hazardous chemicals Stormwater Concerns Sediments cloud waters Nutrients encourage plant growth Haz chems damage aquatic life

To our Streams, Lakes & Rivers Stormwater Water from rain or melted snow that does not soak into the ground Runoff Flowing stormwater that picks up soil, pet wastes, salts, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, grease, yard wastes, litter and other pollutants Becomes But where does it all go? To our Streams, Lakes & Rivers

What’s the Result? Bacteria and parasites from animals wastes Drinking water contamination Basement and lower level floodings

Ecological Concerns Degradation of lakes, rivers and wetlands Algal growth from inputs of phosphorus Loss of habitat due to cloudiness of water Toxic chemicals threaten aquatic life

Floor Drains and... Household Chemical Storage & Floor Drains Store household chemicals in a manner such that potential leaks and spills don’t immediately transport to a drain, which may go directly to the ground, or to a storm sewer that empties into the lake. Possible solution: Provide some sort of secondary containment – ex. Place liquid chemical containers in a plastic container or tub (maybe with a layer of kitty litter to absorb leaking fluids). Store in a place that is inaccessible to children and pets to address a potential safety issue & minimize potential spills.

STORM DRAINS collect more than rainfall... Storm Drains Purpose of storm drains and ditches: to collect stormwater so impervious or paved areas don’t flood, and direct to a lake or stream. So when one sees a drain, ask, “What can go down it?” & “Where does it go?” Storm drains collect: fertilizer / pesticide collected on pavement oil / grease / gas on pavement from autos pet waste road salt loose soil………. than rainfall...

Parking Lot Oil Slick Run-off

Parking Lot Oil Slick Run-off

and empty into a nearby river or lake. ……and deposits to a nearby river or lake – degrading the aquatic habitat. and empty into a nearby river or lake.

Reduce the amount of runoff. Reduce the Amount of Stormwater Run-off One may also employ practices that reduce the amount of stormwater run-off: Minimize amount of hard surface / pavement when possible by using porous materials (ex. woodchips with pavers) for walkways and patios. Run path/walkways perpendicular to slope (traversing). And………… * Minimize amount of Pavement. * Serpentine or traversing pathways.

Direct gutters onto vegetation, rather than paved surfaces. …..Direct Downspouts onto Vegetative Area, not hard / non-porous surfaces.

* Plant a Rain Garden! Native soils, flowers and vegetation Reduces runoff from roofs or impervious surfaces Infiltrates rain water so garden is dry between rainfalls Low maintenance Provides habitat for native wildlife Painted by Michigan artist Ruth Zachary

You can prevent Runoff problems!

Reduce Pollutants in Runoff By: Store chemicals in Secondary containment Properly clean chemical spills immediately Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash facility Dispose of animal wastes properly Clean yard debris from paved surfaces Store properly and 2nd containment Clean spills following label instructions Or wash with non-toxic cleaners (ie. Simple green) Pick up animal wastes Sweep grass clippings onto lawn – adds fertilizer naturally

Manage Runoff Around Your Home By: Seeding and topping bare soil Placing sediment barriers Minimizing paved surfaces Diverting stormwater from basement windows Directing roof drainage onto lawn or garden Landscape to slow water flow Example of sediment barrier with straw or mulch 2. until grass covers bare soil 3. consider wood chips or paving blocks for walkways instead 6. and an unmowed vegetated buffer strip left along streams and lakeshores

Questions? Thank You!