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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.
Helpful Tips:
1) Don't overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose
instead of a sprinkler.
2) Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is
necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use
organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
3) Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the
street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
4) Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping
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 water bodies. Pathogens
can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.
Helpful Tips:
1) Inspect your system ever 3 years and pump your tank as necessary.
Contact the St. Louis County Health Department for more information
at 218/749-0600 (Virginia), 218/262-0142 (Hibbing), 218/365-8200
(Ely).
2) Don't dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in sinks or
toilets. The St. Louis County Solid Waste Department can
provide helpful information concerning HHW and may be reached at
218/749-9703. For a schedule of HHW pick-up dates,
click here.
Auto Care
Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send
detergent 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.
Helpful Tips:
1) Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its
wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates
into the ground.
2) Repair leaks and dispose of used oil fluids and batteries at
designated drop-off or recycling locations.
Pet Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients
in local waters.
Helpful Tip:
1) 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 local water bodies.
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.
Click here to return to Stormwater Main Page.
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