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In This Section:
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Preventing Storm Water Pollution
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This is a storm drain... and this is Rohner Creek.
Everything that goes into any storm drain goes
directly into the creek. Any questions?
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OK, we're not trying to be flippant here, just attempting to grab your
attention. Most people don't know that every storm drain
in Fortuna empties directly into a creek. Storm water pollution
happens when water picks up pollutants as it flows
off driveways, sidewalks, city streets, parking lots and construction
sites and empties into the storm drain system – all those
ditches, channels, gutters and
pipes that collect the runoff and empty it directly into the local
creeks, the Eel River and ultimately the ocean.
(Oops, I didn't know that...)Storm drain water does not go to the sewer plant.
Do you dump your tire cleaner, engine degreaser and soapy car wash water into the creek? Of
course not, you know better!
But you know what? You are, if it runs down your driveway and
into the gutter. (Hint - wash your car on the lawn,
the grass can use the water.)
And it's the same with cigarette butts, bottle caps, dog droppings,
trash, yard waste, runoff from pesticides and
fertilizers, oil and antifreeze, paint from brushes and containers
rinsed in the gutter; in short, everything that falls on a road or
parking lot
contaminates the creeks, the Eel River and the ocean and harms aquatic
life. It can also clog gutters and catch basins, increasing the risk
of flooding. (Did you know that Fortuna's storm
water runoff shows up in Humboldt Bay? The incoming tide brings
it in. I didn't know that either.)
Good web site for more information:
humboldtstormwater.com
How can you prevent Storm Water Pollution?
Everyone can help prevent storm water pollution. It is often caused by
everyday behavior that you may not realize contributes to the problem.
Simple behavior changes are all it takes to prevent storm water
pollution, if we all do our part. Find out how.
How can residents prevent storm water pollution?
How can businesses prevent storm water
pollution?
How can storm water pollution be prevented
during construction?
So, one more time; sewer lines go to the sewer plant, storm drains
go directly into the creeks. (Now that you're one of the few people who knows that, tell someone else and help
spread the word. Not everyone visits this terrific website.)
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