Inside the Fall Issue...
Ten Things You Can Do to
Prevent Storm Water Pollution
Ten Things You Can Do to
Prevent Storm Water Pollution
From the Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality
As of March 2003, much of Clermont County [including Milford] must comply with new storm water regulations handed down from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of these regulations is to protect water quality by minimizing the amount of pollutants washing into our streams with storm water runoff. Individual homeowners can do quite a bit to help the County meet these requirements and protect its resources. Here is a list of ten things you can do to help prevent storm water pollution:
·Never dump anything down storm drains.
·Sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters after mowing the lawn.
·Properly dispose of your yard waste.
·Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
·Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly.
·Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
·Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
·Maintain your car. Check for leaks. Recycle used motor oil.
·Pick up after your pet.
·Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
Storm water pollution is not the result of actions by any one industry, business, or group. We are all responsible in some small way. Likewise, the answers to our storm water problems do not lie with any one company or organization. Everyone needs to make an effort to help. Small contributions from a large number of people will have a positive impact on the quality of our streams. For more information on how you can help to fight storm water pollution, or for more information on EPA regulations or the County's Storm Water Management Plan, contact OEQ at (513) 732-7894.
Managing Your Drainage Ways
Property owners can keep storm water drainage systems working properly by not dumping or throwing anything into channels or drainage ways. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels or culverts. A plugged channel cannot carry water properly and contributes to flooding. To help maintain cleared drainage ways, the City of Milford offers a free curbside leaf and branch pick up to all City residents (see Manager's article on Page 2). Under Ohio's Drainage Laws, if you block a natural drainage, you may also be liable for civil damages caused to any neighboring properties. To help prevent blockage to drainage ways, the following steps are recommended:·Sweep or pick up debris in street gutters·Pick up trash and fallen branches in ditches·Do not dump trash or yard waste in a drainage way or stream·Do not store waste in an area where it can be washed into a ditch or stream by storm water·Dispose of all trash properly·Contain trash and recyclingIt is illegal to dump any litter or debris, including yard waste, into Ohio's rivers or creeks. If you witness dumping in a stream, please contact the City of Milford offices at 831-4192. Litter and debris contributes to pollution, which damages water quality and aquatic habitats.