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City of Melrose |
| Stormwater Plan |
How
you can help
NEVER pour or sweep ANYTHING down a storm drain!
This includes:
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Pet waste
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Motor Oil
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Paint
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Litter
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Leaves
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Sand
Don’t block storm drains with refuse or debris!!!
Remember, stormwater flows into catch basins and storm drains so that roads an property won’t be damaged. Storm drains are underground pipes that channel stormwater directly to a nearby water body, without any treatment or cleansing.
Make sure all sewer plumbing in your house, including floor drains and laundry wastewater, is tied into the City’s sanitary sewer system, and not a storm drain. If you suspect you may have a connection to the storm drain, contact DPW for assistance
Car Care Tips:
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Maintain your car to prevent fluid leaks
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Recycle motor oil, antifreeze, tires, and batteries
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Use a commercial carwash that treats and/or recycles the wash water
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If you wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn so that the water can seep into the soil, and use low-phosphate detergents in small amounts.
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Clean up spills immediately with kitty litter or sawdust to absorb the spill. Remember to pick up and dispose of this material properly.
Lawn care and garden tips:
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Use fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly.
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Make sure to store them in tightly closed containers
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Try organic lawn care methods
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Mow 2 to 3 inches high to encourage dense growth and deter weeds
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Mulch lawn clippings and leaves
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Water lightly and frequently to reduce the potential for disease and insect damage. A 15 to 20 minute watering during dry weather after sunset or before sunrise is usually sufficient.
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Reduce lawn size in favor of rock gardens or natural vegetationCover soil piles with tarps and replant bare areas to stop erosion
Other ways you can help:
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Pick up after your pet and dispose of droppings in the trash.
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Do not put droppings in the catch basins!
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Aim your roof downspouts away from paved surfaces or into a rain barrel
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Dispose of paint, oil, and other household chemicals at the City’s household hazardous waste day
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Coordinate a storm drain stenciling day in your neighborhood
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Volunteer with a local environmental group