By Zoe Baumberger & Sam Foley
Since we are now into a new NPDES permit term, it’s time to begin screening the various stormwater outfalls throughout the MS4 area. We decided to begin with Madison Township and in this past quarter 15 of those outfalls were inspected. In Madison Township, there are a total of 113 outfalls. These inspections are performed during dry weather, meaning there has been less than 1 inch of accumulated rainfall over the past 72 hours, prior to the inspection. We are looking for indicators of illicit discharge, which could be observed visually or olfactory via smell. If indicators are observed, we would collect a sample and perform various tests to determine whether there was indeed an illicit discharge. So far in this permit term, no indicators of illicit discharge have been discovered, which is a good thing! Stay tuned for futures updates about the MS4 activities performed under our NPDES permit.
Did you know that grass clippings can be a pollutant? Or that grass clippings can cause motorcyclists to slip and slide like they’re driving on ice?
It’s best practice to sweep up any clippings that make it into the road. Large piles of clippings can clog storm drains, culverts, and pipes contributing to flooding. Remember, only rain is supposed to go down the storm drain! If grass clippings make it to our waterways, they will decompose and release nutrients into the water column. The pesticides and fertilizers we use on our lawns also enter waterways via grass clippings. This addition of nutrients can lead to toxic algal blooms, like the ones seen in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Let’s work together to keep our roads safe and our waters clean! It’s as simple as sweeping up clippings or mowing in a direction where the discharge chute is aimed at the yard instead of the road.
