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Environmentally
Speaking . . . Only Rain Down the Drain!!!
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Did you know that just four quarts of oil can
form an eight-acre oil slick if spilled or dumped down a storm
drain? Storm Drains, which are often located in the gutters of
your streets, are not sewers. |
Storm drains and roadside ditches lead to our inland lakes,
streams, rivers and Lake Michigan. So, any motor oil, pet waste,
leaves, grass clippings or dirty water from washing your car that
enters a storm drain gets into our water without being treated.
Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste, dirty or soapy water, or
anything else down the storm drain or into a ditch. All of these
materials pollute our lakes and rivers! Pollutants that get into
storm drains can poison fish, birds, and other wildlife, and can
find their way into drinking water supplies. In addition, dirt,
litter, branches and grass clippings can clog storm drains and cause
flooding.
Be sure to report anyone dumping materials into a storm drain or
ditch to your city, township or village officials.
10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Water Pollution
- Sweep up driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them with
water.
- Never dump anything down a storm drain or into a ditch.
- Plant bare spots in your yard.
- Compost your yard waste.
- Use fertilizers sparingly and avoid pesticides.
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
- Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in the
driveway.
- Check cars for leaks and recycle motor oil.
- Pick up after your pet.
- If you are on a septic system, have it inspected and pumped
regularly.
The municipalities in Cass and Berrien Counties are working
together to ensure cleaner and safer water in the Lower St. Joseph
River Watershed. We will need your help, to learn more about these
efforts visit
http://www.swmpc.org/water.asp
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