|
||||||
|
||||||
|
City of Carmel Stormwater Phase II Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) requires communities around the country to address stormwater quality, and hence the pollution of our nation’s waterbodies. Carmel is one of nearly 200 of these required communities in the state of Indiana required to develop and maintain a stormwater quality program. This program is extremely important to the sustainability of our community. In fact, the EPA now considers stormwater pollution to be one of the most significant sources of contamination in our nation's waters.
Storm water and why it is a concern:
What is Storm Water Pollution? Any toxic discharge that enters into the storm water sewer system , as storm water flows (or snow melts), it picks up debris, chemicals - such as fertilizers and pesticides - dirt, cigarette butts and other pollutants . This discharge enters a storm sewer system and is discharged to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water.
City of Carmel Stormwater Program Information:
Storm Water Fact Sheets
Improving Storm Water Quality: Residents can help alleviate stormwater pollution in several ways: · Practice dry cleanup methods when cleaning your driveway or sidewalk. By using a broom instead of a hose, debris will be prevented from entering storm drain inlets and eventually streams. Also, use cat litter to soak up leaked oil, which can be then thrown away in the trash once dry. · Have your soil tested. A soil test is an inexpensive and informative way to determine the quality of your soil. The laboratory will test soil pH, nutrient content, and percentage of organic matter. From these results, you can determine exactly what nutrients your lawn and garden need, which will help minimize the use of chemicals which can runoff into streams. · Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers. Phosphorus runoff from lawns is washed into streams and lakes, where it encourages algae growth. But only newly-seeded lawns or phosphorus-deficient soils (as indicated by testing) require phosphorus. When buying lawn fertilizer, look for the three numbers on the bag and choose products where the middle number is zero. This indicates that the fertilizer does not contain phosphorus (the other numbers indicated the amount of nitrogen and potassium, respectively). · When painting, do not rinse brushes off in the lawn or dump extras into storm drains. Instead, rinse brushes and rollers off in a sink or tub, and drop your extra paint off at the household hazardous waste facility for reuse. · Clean up immediately after your pets and throw the waste into the trash or in the toilet. Otherwise, disease causing pathogens in the waste can be transferred directly into streams. · Dispose of lawn waste in compost piles and use a mulching mower. Never place leaves or other lawn debris in waterways because it will cause a decrease in oxygen in waterways, killing fish. · Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff. · Do not wash cars, RVs, or boats at home because the detergent laden water runs into storm drains and then into creeks. Remember, soap destroys dirt and organisms, it will do the same in creeks. Instead, go to a full or self serve car wash because the water used there is cleaned in a waste water treatment plant. · Report any illegal dumping into storm drainage inlets, such as soil running off of construction sites into drains, or falling septic systems. · Adopt a storm drain in your neighborhood by yourself or with neighbors, and take turns cleaning away debris from it after storm events. · Do not drain your swimming pool, spa water, or filter backflush water directly into a storm drain. Direct this water into the sanitary sewer or allow it to overland flow to a storm inlet after it has been dechlorinated.
Backyard Conservation Program:
Report-A-Polluter:
Get Involved:
Upcoming Events: to be announced
Related Links:
In the News: County Conservation Effort Focuses on Backyards Contact: Shaena Smith Much of the 92 million acres of developed land in the U.S. is in the care of homeowners. In Hamilton County, the population rose 45.3% from 1990 to 2005 and the number of housing units increased 32% from 2000 to 2005. This rapid urbanization is leading to more stormwater runoff, soil erosion, air and water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat. Through a project called "Backyard Conservation," the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District is asking homeowners and urban and suburban residents to help make their backyards a "friendlier place for nature." The project uses smaller-scale conservation practices that have been used on Indiana farms for decades- such as ponds, tree planting, and wildlife habitat, as well as relatively new practices – like raingardens, water edge enhancements, and invasive species control. By using these practices, backyard conservationists can provide important wildlife habitat while saving natural resources. Lake Forest Subdivision in Carmel has already implemented several practices to improve environmental quality in their backyards. They have removed more than 100 undesirable trees, planted over 50 new seedlings, and spent an estimated 120 volunteer hours pulling garlic mustard and other invasive species in their arboretum. In addition to the arboretum work, they have planted and maintained native shoreline vegetation around one of their detention ponds, improving water quality and wildlife habitat while discouraging nuisance Canada geese. Cool Creek Park has been turning their new greenhouse into a backyard conservation demonstration site as well. They are planting native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, as well as installing a pond and walking path. This site should be completed and open to the public this fall. On February 9, 2008, they will host a workshop focused on native and invasive plants, backyard ponds, water conservation, and mulching. Mark your calendars now and watch for upcoming details! In addition to educational resources, the Backyard Conservation Program offers technical assistance through site visits and conservation plans designed specifically for your backyard. Financial assistance may also be offered for eligible practices. If you are interested in improving the environment and enhancing your backyard, contact the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District today.
Questions? City of Carmel Engineering Department
Media - Please use contact information provided here:
"News From City Hall" - Current Media Releases "News from the City of Carmel" newsletter is a publication of the City of Carmel City of Carmel
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
Back to the Department of Carmel Community Relations web pages Back to the City of Carmel, Indiana's Home Page © Copyright - City of Carmel, Indiana |
Videos
