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Essex is one of 189 communities in Massachusetts that is mandated by The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a Stormwater Management Plan. The program is intended to improve water quality by reducing the discharge of pollutants from storm water runoff into local storm drains, rivers, ponds, streams and other receiving water bodies.
When it rains or as snow melts, the resulting stormwater flows over roads or ground surfaces, picking up debris, chemicals, oils, grease, salt, sediment and other pollutants. These can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries and other wildlife. Part of the compliance for our stormwater plan is public education and outreach. Listed below are some methods that residents can use to assist in alleviating pollutants discharged into drainage areas.
Lawn Care
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.
- Don’t over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
- Use pesticide and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
- Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.
Septic Systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens that can be picked up by storm water and discharge them into nearby water bodies.
- Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3-5 years)
- Don’t dispose of hazardous wastes in sinks and toilets.
Auto care
Washing your car at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the stormwater system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as directly dumping the materials into a water body.
- Use commercial car washes that treat or recycle its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates the ground.
- Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop off or recycling locations.
Pet waste
Pet waste can be a source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters
- When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving the waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains.
Landscaping
- Permeable Pavement - Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through decreasing stormwater runoff.
- Rain Barrels – You can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito proof containers. The water can later be used to water gardens and lawns
Construction Sites
Erosion controls that aren’t maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local streams.
- Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site.
- Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas vegetation cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them, especially after rainstorms.
- Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.
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