The
local Boy Scout Troops and the Whippany Park High School
S.E.E.K Club are marking our town’s storm drains for the
Hanover Township's storm water awareness program.
They’re doing what?
Volunteers are placing curb markers with a symbol of a
fish and the phrase “NO DUMPING / DRAINS TO RIVER or
WATERWAYS” message next to the townships storm drains
that go to our local lakes and rivers. This is part of
the Hanover Township Environmental Commission’s
education campaign to remind all of us that storm water
pollution begins with that drain on the street.
Something most people never think about.
But
why?
Because storm drains flow directly to nearby rivers and
streams, not to wastewater treatment plants. Your city
street is really like waterfront property and everything
rinsing off your roof, yard and driveway goes to the
river. Many people are unaware of this important fact.
Each year, people dump thousands of gallons of used oil,
antifreeze and other wastes into storm drains. Marking
the storm drains will remind citizens to protect the
river or lake from pollution that may kill fish, close
beaches and increase weed and algae growth.
This pollution comes from where?
It
comes from all of us! Rainwater runoff picks up street
litter, yard waste, excess lawn fertilizers and
pesticides, residue from oil leaks on streets and
parking lots, and sediment from construction sites. All
together, this adds up to more pollution than industry
makes!
Non-point source pollution has been identified by
Environmental Protection Agency as over 60% of the
nations water quality problems. Rain or melting snow
wash soil, litter, pet waste, fertilizers, leaves and
grass clippings off the pavement and into your storm
sewer. Although each storm sewer may contribute only a
small amount of pollution, the pollutants from hundreds
of inlets around town add up to a big problem for local
streams, rivers and lakes. Fish and waterfowl may eat
litter or plastic, or get entangled in it.
Pet
and yard waste contain both bacteria and
oxygen-consuming materials which lead to fish kills.
Homeowners often apply much more fertilizer than
necessary for plant health.
What can I do to help?
It’s Simple! Dump nothing down the storm drain you
wouldn’t swim in or drink.
•
Use less fertilizer on lawns. (Have your soil tested)
• Avoid pesticides and herbicides
• Compost garden trimmings
• Recycle used oil and fix oil leaks
• Wash your car on the lawn not driveway or street
• Pick up pet wastes
• Don't litter
• Bring your household hazardous material, computers/TVs
to the Household Hazardous Waste
Collection days.
Contact Municipal Utilities Authority (973) 829-8006
www.MCMUA.com
For
more information contact Joseph A. Giorgio, RMC Business
Administrator/ Township Clerk phone # (973) 428-2466
