Environmental Issues

Keep it Clean - Because We're All Downstream!

Most metro Atlantans are unaware that when it rains- it pollutes! The quality of the region’s streams, rivers, and lakes are threatened each time it rains. Stormwater runoff carries untreated pollutants like oil, lawn fertilizers, litter and other waste into our waterways. In fact, the U.S. EPA estimates that 80% of water pollution is caused by stormwater runoff.

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is the rain that hits the ground and flows off streets, rooftops, and lawns. Stormwater is collected by storm drains and drainage swales, and then flows into area streams, rivers, and lakes.

Isn’t new development in metro Atlanta the main cause of all these problems?

Though there are some problems associated with sediment coming from construction sites in the Atlanta area, many of our current water quality problems are caused by runoff from older, developed areas.

What is the problem with stormwater runoff pollution anyway?

Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants and debris as it flows across rooftops, driveways, streets and parking lots. During periods of rainfall, pollutants are picked up and washed directly into our streams, rivers, and lakes. Some of these pollutants include oil and grease, harmful bacteria, fertilizers, toxic chemicals, and other contaminants which are harmful to both people and aquatic life. A common misperception is that water running off streets and into a storm drain goes to a wastewater treatment plant. It does not. In fact, stormwater usually receives no treatment. The stormwater pollution problem is especially critical in the Atlanta area because 98% of our drinking water comes from surface water sources.

What is the source of all these pollutants?

We all are! The fact is that all of us are part of the stormwater pollution problem. Many of the things that we do on a daily basis including taking care of our lawns, driving our cars, washing our vehicles, and walking our pets can contribute to stormwater pollution. In addition, there are several categories of business activities that can pollute stormwater runoff. Since we are all part of the problem, we now have the opportunity to be part of the “solution to stormwater pollution.”

Top 10 Things You Can Do To Be A “Solution To Stormwater Pollution”

1. Never dump anything that you wouldn’t want to drink or swim in onto the street, down a storm drain, or into a drainage ditch
2. Recycle motor oil and other vehicle fluids (participating recycling locations can be located at www.cleanup.org or by calling 1-800-CLEANUP)
3. Throw litter in a trash receptacle
4. Clean up after your pet
5. Check your vehicles for leaks and repair them
6. Dispose of household hazardous wastes at designated locations
7. Compost leaves and yard clippings
8. Use fertilizer and pesticide sparingly, and avoid applying them when a heavy rain is forecasted. If you must use fertilizers, opt for the one with a slow-release form of nitrogen to reduce the potential of leaching into the groundwater
9. If you wash your vehicle at home, do so on the lawn rather than on the pavement
10. Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent stormwater pollution, and get involved in your community- participate in one of the NDHRA street clean-ups or the annual Fern Creek clean-up that takes place each spring in our neighborhood!

Info collected by Alexis Neill from Dekalb County Public Works Dept, Roads & Drainage Division; and Clean Water Campaign

Dekalb County Code Violations

For any residents that are unfamiliar with the exact code violations put forth by the County, a copy can be found on the “Keep Dekalb Beautiful” web site www.co.dekalb.ga.us/beautiful. As this may list most of the violations it does not address all of the issues that seem to come up in the neighborhood. With a little common sense most people can figure out what could be considered a violation.   Ultimately, we are all responsible for the surroundings we live in and we all pay the price if we disregard the laws protecting the environment. So, don’t hesitate to approach your neighbor about a possible violation of which they may be unaware.

Alexis Neill
Environmental Enhancement Committee Chair
404-321-5071
alexis@ndhra.org