Stormwater - Homeowner

City Website Homepage

 

Quick Email Links

 

 

In Sierra Vista, our washes and streets double as our storm water system.  Streets in Sierra Vista carry water runoff from over-watered lawns and monsoon rains.  When water runs off our streets, driveways, and parking lots, it eventually ends up in the San Pedro River Basin.  From trash to motor oil and pesticides, various pollutants are carried via stormwater runoff into the local water basin. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent pollution by following these best management practices to protect our environment and public health.

It is important as a homeowner that you are aware of Best Management Practices to reduce the amount of contaminates entering our water basin.

 

Water Fast Facts

  • Most pollution is preventable.
  • Rooftops, roads, parking lots, driveways and even some compacted soils are impervious surfaces.  These surfaces can cause water to runoff 10% faster.
  • As much as 50% of all household hazardous waste is liquid.
  • Approximately 13% of all motor oil runs off into streets.

 

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
for Homeowners

Put into Practice - Advanced Pollution Protection

  • Reduce waste that may potentially end up in our washes by cleaning up all debris and spills.
  • Store household chemicals in an enclosed location.
  • Be aware of your pollution prevention responsibilities.
  • Control water runoff from driveways, and any open areas located at your residence.

Disposal of Hazardous Waste

  • Take non-recyclable materials to a landfill or dispose of as hazardous waste, as appropriate.
  • For paint recycling call (520) 458-5775, and for information on other waste disposal contact the Cochise County Transfer Station at (520) 452-9805.

Household BMPs

General Construction Projects

  • Do not use the garden hose to cleanup; sweep up and throw debris in the trashcan.
  • Keep debris away from washes, streets or ditches.
  • Schedule any grading or excavation projects during dry weather.
  • Cover any excavated or stockpiled materials with a tarp to protect it from rain and wind.
  • Sweep or scoop cement or concrete dust.
  • Use fast-growing plants and soils to prevent erosion in excavated areas once project is complete.
  • Call the Public Works Environmental Services Division at (520) 458-5775 for information on how to dispose of hazardous substances such as solvents, cleaners, adhesive compounds, etc.

Painting

  • Use water-based paints.
  • Never clean brushes or rinse paint containers outside.
  • Clean up for water-based paints should be done in the sink.
  • Use thinner on oil-based paints, reuse by putting the used thinner in a jar and pouring off clear liquid for future use.
  • Donate leftover paint to the Graffiti Abatement Program – Call (520) 458-5775.

Landscaping & Gardening

  • Select plants that are on the City's plant list.
  • Use fast-growing plants to prevent erosion.
  • Use Xeriscape materials such as decomposed granite, inorganic mulches, rocks and boulders.
  • Install a drip irrigation system to prevent over-watering and allow water to soak in rather than evaporate.
  • Do not use black plastic as a weed barrier, this causes water to runoff your property.
  • Leave grass clipping on your lawn as a natural fertilizer.
  • Bag and recycle leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste instead of blowing, sweeping or hosing them into the street or wash.

Use of Fertilizers & Pesticides

  • READ and FOLLOW the directions on the label.
  • Use organic or non-toxic alternative pesticides.
  • When using chemical fertilizers or pesticides do not apply them near curbs or driveways.
  • NEVER use chemical fertilizers or pesticides before a rain.
  • Store garden chemicals in sealed waterproof containers in a covered area.

Pet and animal waste

Leaving pet waste in your yard to decay can become a problem.  To make sure the waste does not pollute water, keep all pet waste from areas near washes, ditches, and wells.

NEVER FLUSH PET WASTE DOWN THE TOILET IF YOU LIVE IN SIERRA VISTA!

Kitty waste
When cleaning out the cat box:

  • Scoop waste out of the litter, double bag it and throw it in the trashcan.
  • When litter is no longer usable, double bag the litter and dispose of it in the trashcan.

Dog waste
Clean up at home:

  • Pick it up.
  • Double bag it and throw it in the trashcan.
  • Another option is a pet waste disposal system you can purchase from a pet store or online.

Away from the house:

  • Take a bag with you.
  • Pick up the waste.
  • Double bag it and throw it in the trashcan.

 

Quick Contacts/Sources:

City of Sierra Vista

Questions or comments on environmental issues?  Simply email environmental@ci.sierra-vista-az.us or write a letter to the Environmental Affairs Commission (EAC) at City Hall, 1011 North Coronado Drive.  Another way to be heard is to attend an EAC meeting at the Pedro Castro Government Maintenance Centerr, located at 401 Giulio Cesare.  Find out when the next meeting is by reading the City Page or at the City's website www.ci.sierra-vista.az.us.  Meetings are usually scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. The public is invited and is always welcome to attend.

Best Management Practices:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps

ADEQ Southern Regional Office
(520) 628-6733 or (888) 271-9302
AZPDES General Permit Information:
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/permits/stormwater.html