Public education and outreach on storm water impacts

Why should I worry about stormwater?
 
Every time it rains, water that is not absorbed into the ground runs off lawns, driveways and streets, picking up hazardous materials such as litter, fertilizers, pesticides, automobile fluids, pet waste and other pollutants.  The stormwater is not treated and flows directly into our local streams or the Wabash.  Polluted stormwater can affect the process by which our drinking water is filtered, causing our water plant to do more extensive filtering and chlorinating.  Polluted stormwater also negatively impacts wildlife in our area.  Erosion of sediment into water bodies can block light from aquatic plants, fill niches where fish lay eggs and clog fish gills.  

1. Don’t over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of sprinkler. 
2. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.  When use is necessary, always use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. These chemicals cause algae to grow, which uses up oxygen that fish need to survive. 
3. Compost or mulch yard clippings and leaves.  They wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams, which in turn harms aquatic plants and animals. If this is not an option, take the excess clippings to the City disposal on Old Terre Haute Road. 
4. Vegetate bare spots in your lawn and greenscape whenever possible. 

Auto care

1. Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop off or recycling locations.  Oil does not dissolve in water.  It lasts a long time and sticks to everything from beach sand to bird feathers.  One quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water, and one gallon of gasoline can pollute 750,000 gallons of water.  Americans spill 180 million gallons of used oil each year into the nation’ waters. That is 16 times the amount spilled by Exxon Valdez in Alaska.  Use ground clothes or drip pans beneath your vehicle if you have leaks or are doing engine work.
2. Wash you car on the lawn or in the gravel instead of the street.  Pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink drain when you are done! Even better, take it to a commercial car wash.  This will help decrease or eliminate detergents from directly entering the storm sewer system.  

Pet waste

1. When your pets leave those little surprises, rain picks it up and carries it directly to water bodies.  This is a serious problem since the average dog dropping produces 3 billion fecal coliform bateria.   The bacteria can end up in shellfish and the people who eat that shellfish can get very sick.
2. Scoop up and seal pet wastes in a plastic bag.  Dispose of it properly, in the garbage. 
3. Educate other people that have pets on how they can do their part.  

Swimming pool, fountain and hot tub water disposal

1. Don’t discharge swimming pool water container chlorine levels at levels higher than 0.01 parts per million to the storm drain.  Chlorine levels above this are harmful to aquatic organisms.  De-chlorinate the water, let the chlorine level decrease on its own, or discharge the water to the sanitary sewer system. 
2. Pools may contain copper which comes from algae control products and from copper plumbing and equipment (especially heaters). 
3. Maintain the proper chemical balance and filtration in your pool.  This will minimize the need to drain the pool and prevent unnecessary corrosion of copper pipes and equipment. 

Septic Systems

1. Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria & viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby waterbodies. 
2. Inspect your system every 3 years and pump as necessary (usually every other year).
3. Never dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.  

Household Hazardous Waste
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered “household hazardous waste”.  Products that contain hazardous ingredients are safe to use when the manufacturer’s instructions are followed, but require special care when they are disposed of.  The average Indiana household contains between 3 and 10 gallons of hazardous waste.  When you consider that the City of Vincennes has about 8,500 households, proper disposal is very important.  Here is what you need to know!

Some common Household Hazardous Waste found in homes:

What to do with these products: The Knox County Solid Waste Management is the local collection agency for these materials.  They accept these items every Thursday from 8:30 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 3:30, or by appointment at 812-895-4878.  This department also holds household hazardous waste events several times a year.  These are held on Saturdays to accommodate more people.  If you ever have a doubt on whether something is hazardous and should be cautiously disposed of call KCSWM at 812-895-4878.

Safer alternatives to common hazardous products: 

• Rust remover:  Vinegar’s weak acid works well on rust stains.
• Drain opener:  To prevent clogs, pour in ¼ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar.  When the fizzing stops, flush with boiling water. 
• Window cleaner:  Wiper clean with a mixture of 3 Tbs. vinegar in 7 quarts of water. 
• Wood furniture polish:  Combine 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive oil.  
• Air freshener:  Boric acid sprinkled in the bottom of garbage cans works well.  For refrigerator odors, use an open box of baking soda.