1. Stormwater Management

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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...

9. Parking Lot Oil Slick Run-off

10. Parking Lot Oil Slick Run-off

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

14. * 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

15. You can prevent Runoff problems!

16. 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

17. 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

18. Questions?
Thank You!