July/August 2008

By Stacey Yanetta, CPESC-IT (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control in Training)

Did you know that the vast majority of storm sewer systems discharge directly into a water body without any treatment? Many citizens incorrectly assume that the motor oil or paint that they pour into the storm sewer catch basin on their street will be treated at a waste water treatment plant before it ever gets to a creek, river, or lake. However, most Northeastern Ohio cities, villages, and townships are Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities. MS4 municipalities have a separate system for storm water and sanitary waste water- the two systems are not combined and only sanitary sewage flows to the waste water treatment facility to be cleaned-up before release into a waterway. Only the City of Cleveland, Akron, and a few suburbs in Northeastern Ohio have Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) systems. In a municipality with a CSO system, both sanitary waste and storm water flow are conveyed to a waste water treatment facility through the same network of pipes.

What does all of this mean to you? It means that many of your everyday household habits can negatively impact water quality in nearby creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. The majority of us live in areas where our storm sewer flows drain directly into a waterway without any biological, physical, or chemical treatment (such as disinfection). Pollutants that enter the storm water sewer systems in our neighborhoods, near our businesses, schools and libraries all have a direct effect on whether a water body is safe for recreational, potable and wildlife uses. There are several ways that you can help minimize storm water pollution by monitoring and modifying some of your everyday habits. Several simple, yet effective, guidelines for reducing negative impacts on storm water quality are listed below.

Pick up pet waste while walking your dog. Not only is this courteous to your neighbors, it also helps prevent the bacteria (such as Fecal Coliform and E. Coli) and nutrients from the pet waste from entering the storm water sewer system.

If you wash your vehicle at a private residence, ensure that you are diverting soapy water into the lawn where it can be absorbed and filtered instead of into a nearby storm drain. Wash your car on the lawn, if possible. Or simply wash your vehicle at a commercial or self-serve car wash where soapy water flows into a sanitary sewage drain.

If you must fertilize your lawn, try to use the absolute minimum amount of fertilizer necessary (a soil nutrient test can help you to determine the correct amount). Also keep fertilizer off of paved surfaces where it will most likely run-off directly into a storm sewer inlet as soon as it rains.

When performing oil changes or maintenance on your vehicle at home, collect waste oil, antifreeze, or other fluids in an appropriate container and take to a nearby recycling facility that accepts these types of wastes. Many municipalities accept these waste fluids at their service garages during regular business hours free of charge. Call your local city/village/township hall to see if they collect these items from residents. Another good source to check for local disposal facilities is the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District website at www.cuyahogaswd.org.

If your home or business utilizes a septic tank instead of a sanitary sewer line, regular tank inspections and cleaning by a professional service will help to ensure that sanitary wastes are not flowing untreated into a nearby water body. Septic tank inspections should be performed once a year or at least once every 3 years at a bare minimum.

By being more conscious of your daily activities and making small changes in your habits you can help minimize negative impacts on the waters that you fish, boat, swim in, and drink from.