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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
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