Backyard Pollution Prevention

1. Backyard Pollution Prevention

2. Workshop Goals • To learn about stormwater runoff --- the most common pollutant of streams, rivers, and oceans. • To learn what homeowners can do to reduce stormwater pollution and runoff.

3. Workshop Agenda • True/False Quiz • Presentation • Discussion • Yard Tours • Evaluation Picture courtesy of Community Partners for Clean Streams, Washtenaw County

4. Presentation Overview • Background on stormwater pollution • Stormwater behaviors to reduce pollutants • Backyard projects to reduce velocity/volume of stormwater

5. Urban Stormwater Pollution • Contains: • sediment, bacteria and viruses, oil and grease, pesticides and fertilizers, salts, heavy metals and other potentially toxic chemicals • Fate: • neighbor’s yard • discharged untreated into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes

6. Sources of Impairment for Wetlands, Streams and Ponds in Schenectady • Urban runoff and storm sewers • Agriculture: chemical pesticides and fertilizers, animal waste • Farm practices: intensive animal feeding operations, non-irrigated crop production, off farm animal holding area • Municipal point source: wastewater treatment Numbers from: 2004 NC Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List prepared by DENR Division of Water Quality (Table 3.10)

7. Impacts of Stormwater Pollution • Pollutes drinking water • Kills fish • Eutrophication (excess weed and algae growth) • Human illness • Damages homes and businesses during flash floods http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/fstorm.asp

8. Using Precaution • Aquatic systems naturally fluctuate • When the stream, lake, or ocean cannot correct the change, the waterway becomes impaired • Current research – Center for Watershed Health and Restoration Picture courtesy of Miami, When it Rains, It Drains

9. Conservative Estimates of U.S. Polluters 38 million Frequent Fertilizers 43 million Pesticide Sprayers 15 million Hosers 27 million Chronic Car Washers 3 million Bad Mechanics 16 million Poor Pooch Scoopers 15 million Septic Slackers Center for Watershed Protection

10. Frequent Fertilizers Water Quality Consortium

11. Frequent Fertilizers Why be concerned? • Creates nutrient runoff • Excess weed and algae growth What you can do: • Test soil • Organic fertilizer • Never fertilize before it rains Center for Watershed Protection

12. Pesticides and Herbicides Why be concerned? • Contaminate drinking water supplies • Toxic to humans and aquatic organisms What you can do: • Use sparingly • Hand pick weeds • Mulch • Beneficial insects © 2001 Center for Watershed Protection

13. Hosers Why be concerned? • Over watering washes nutrients and sediment off your lawn What you can do: • Tallest mowing height • Just enough water to satisfy • Avoid watering paved areas • Clean walks & patios with a broom Center for Watershed Protection

14. Chronic Car Washers Water Quality Consortium

15. Chronic Car Washers Why be concerned? • Oils, grease, metals What you can do: • Wash less • Car washing facility that treats or recycles water • Buy cleaners labeled “biodegradable” • Wash on the grass • Don’t dispose in storm drain Center for Watershed Protection

16. Car Leaks Water Quality Consortium

17. Bad Mechanics Why be concerned? • Toxic metals, oil, and grease • A single quart of motor oil creates a two-acre oil slick. What you can do: • Repair leaks • Recycle motor oil, antifreeze and other vehicle fluids Center for Watershed Protection

18. Poor Pooch Poop Scoopers Water Quality Consortium

19. Poor Pooch Poop Scoopers Why be concerned? • Phosphorus • Harmful bacteria • Nutrients What you can do: • Pick up after your pet! • Flush • Bury away from water sources • Seal and throw in trash © 2001 Center for Watershed Protection

20. Septic Slackers Why be concerned? • Release nutrients, bacteria, and viruses What you can do: • Inspect system every 3 years • Pump tank every 3-5 years • Don’t dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets. Center for Watershed Protection

21. Backyard Projects • Reduce impervious surfaces • Rain barrels • Rain gardens • Lawn conversion • Landscaping near the water’s edge Your neighbors will thank you for controlling your runoff.

22. Replace Impervious Surfaces Why should I replace impervious surfaces? • disrupt the natural water balance • collect soil, pet wastes, salt, fertilizers, oils, & other pollutants How? • Replace concrete or asphalt with: • Wood chips • Permeable pavement • Wood decks

23. Rain Barrels Why use a rain barrel? • Temporary storage device • Reduces water consumption Why you can do: • Install a rain barrel • Disconnect downspout © 2001 Center for Watershed Protection

24. Rain Gardens • Why create a rain garden? • Replenish water • Protect areas • Shelter from pollutants • Provide habitat Picture courtesy of Univ. of Wisc. - Extension

25. Rain Gardens What you can do: • Incorporate into existing and future landscaping • Use plants adapted to variably wet conditions

26. Lawn Conversion – Natural State Why convert your lawn? • Lawns = little wildlife benefit, erosion and chemicals • Native plants = adapted, less maintenance • Reduces water consumption How do I convert my lawn? • Site conditions • Appropriate plants

27. Landscaping Near the Water’s Edge Planting tips: • Native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers along the water’s edge. • Vegetated buffer zone – 25 feet.

28. Backyard Pollution Prevention • DON’T apply fertilizer or pesticides to lawns. • DON’Twash cars in streets and driveways - use a commercial car wash, or wash cars on lawns with biodegradable detergents. • DO properly dispose of wastes from pets.

29. Backyard Pollution Prevention • DO regularly inspect & clean septic systems. • DO minimize impervious surfaces. • DO use rain barrels and rain gardens to control your runoff. • DO replace lawns with native vegetation.

30. Questions? For more information visit: www.cdrpc.org