Illicit Discharge
Be a Responsible Citizen! Don't Blow Lawn Clippings in the Street
Greetings good citizens! I am the Drain Defender, and I'm here to fight for truth, justice and a clean waterway. Even the great metropolis of Euless can't be spared the ravages of Illicit Discharge. (evil music plays in background). Illicit discharge (evil music) is the kryptonite of our waterways. Lawn clippings, leaves and other debris often clump, contributing to flooding in your neighborhood. It is your responsibility to make sure that nothing but untainted rainwater flows from your yard into storm drains.
You have great powers to protect innocent waterways and become a symbol of hope! Recently, the Euless City Council passed an Illicit Discharge Ordinance, which makes putting anything other than clean storm water in a storm drain illegal. This includes blowing lawn clippings in the street or placing items in the gutter to wash away. Just read this issue of the Daily Planet for more ways to live clean and green. Up, up and away!
What's the Big Deal about Storm Drains?
Do you know the difference between storm drains and sewers? Sewers or wastewater lines carry "black water" that comes from toilets, sinks and washing machines. This black water travels via underground pipes to treatment plants. Typically, we don't see these pipes or openings.
Storm drains are visible from the street and lead to a separate pipe system. They divert rain runoff into large pipes that lead directly to creeks and rivers, and ultimately empty into the ocean. Unlike sewers, there is no treatment or filtering of this water between your yard and the waterway.
If you've used chemicals on your lawn or garden, they may contaminate the water that runs off from rains or your sprinkler system. When lawn clippings decompose, they release carbon and nitrogen that feeds undesirable algae, which, in turn, use up oxygen in the water and kills fish.
The best option is to mulch your lawn clippings into the lawn which will break down quickly and provide valuable fertilizer. Or, you can bag lawn clippings and compost them. It is recommended that you not put these bags out for the trash. This contributes to landfill problems.
