When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides, and other pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains.

A common assumption is the water that heads down the storm drains flows into a treatment plant. Not so! Unlike wastewater that is treated, stormwater does not go through any treatment process. Storm drains transport stormwater directly to the nearest stream, creek, lake or other waterway. Water carries whatever it can with it – trash, leaves, chemical residue. With hundreds of storm drains around town, stormwater is a major polluter. Although each storm drain contributes only a small number of pollutants, when added together, pollution concentrations are pretty high.The following items specify everyday pollutants occurring at our homes, businesses, and construction sites.

Residential

  • Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by stormwater, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses to our river. Please clean up after your pet.
  • Vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze are the #1 surface water quality problems nationwide. Recycle used oil in a clean, sealed, plastic container.
  • Sweep! Hosing off pavements washes pollutants into storm drains.
  • Deliver old paint, pesticides, solvents, and batteries to any of the available hazardous waste drop off facilities.
  • Yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves can be composted and used for fertilizer around the yard.

Industrial

At industrial sites, chemical spills that contain toxic substances and uncovered or unprotected outdoor storage or waste areas can contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff. Best management practices include:

  • Washing vehicles or equipment in wash bays hooked up to the sanitary sewer. Don’t wash off detergents, oils, and greases into streets or storm drains.
  • Divert rainfall runoff from fueling islands by building a canopy or cover over them.
  • In compliance with Fire Code, any barrels containing potentially hazardous liquids should be in a sealed container, stored inside a building or under cover, and propped up on pallets with secondary containment in case of a spill.
  • Waste and processed water of any type must be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Discharge of wastewater to the ground or storm drains is prohibited.
  • Be sure to know spill cleanup procedures. Have cleanup materials nearby with a spill prevention plan prepared and procedures known by all employees.

Construction

Waste from chemicals and materials used in construction can wash into storm drains during rainy weather. Soil that erodes from construction sites can contribute to environmental degradation. Listed below are other harmful contributors from the construction site.

  • Wash waters from concrete mixers should be disposed of back at the contractor’s site or a large hole, big enough to contain all the wash waters. Never rinse out concrete truck chutes with a hose and allow the water to run down the street gutter into the storm drains.
  • Waste storage for used oils, solvents, and other hazardous fluids must be under cover with secondary containment in case of a spill and to prevent rainfall from contact which would wash hazardous fluids into nearby storm drains.
  • Landscaping and earthmoving pollutants include planting, excavation, tilling, masonry and concrete; solid wastes such as trees and shrubs, soil additives and re-vegetation of graded areas, all contribute to soil erosion. Silt fences to hold back loose soil and sand when it gets windy allows sand and soils to stay out of street gutters where rainwater can wash it into storm drains.
  • Vehicle and equipment maintenance becomes a significant factor when engine repairs or preventive maintenance such as changing oil and other fluids occurs at the construction site. Maintain a “dry site” by using off-site facilities, performing work in designated areas only, providing cover for materials stored outside, containing and cleaning up spills immediately, and training employees and subcontractors.

Groups and organizations interested in Stormwater issues, education, or information, please contact the City of Arnold Department of Public Work sat 636-282-2386 regarding the City hosting or providing meeting accommodations.