Storm Drain Waste: Polluting Our Waterways

Dumping waste into storm drains is a common occurrence, but it can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Many people assume that storm drains lead to a wastewater treatment plant, but in many cases, the water entering drains is discharged directly into the closest waterway. This means that debris, trash, chemicals, paint, oil, grease, and other substances can end up polluting local lakes, rivers, and streams. This type of illicit discharge can impact health, drinking water supply, and local water recreation activities.

Illicit discharge, such as dumping pet waste, yard clippings, leaves, oil, grease, etc

Dumping waste into storm drains can have a significant impact on the environment, as the water entering these drains often receives no treatment and is discharged directly into nearby waterways. This means that any waste dumped into storm drains will also end up in these waterways, polluting them and impacting the health of those who rely on them for drinking water and recreational activities.

Illicit discharge, such as dumping pet waste, yard clippings, leaves, oil, grease, and other substances into storm drains, is a major contributor to water pollution. These substances can clog storm drains, leading to local flooding, and the pollutants can contaminate water sources, affecting both human health and the environment.

Pet waste, for example, can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted to humans through contaminated water. Yard clippings and leaves can also contribute to water pollution, as they decompose and release nutrients that can fuel the growth of harmful algae and aquatic weeds.

Oil and grease are particularly harmful when dumped into storm drains, as they can coat aquatic plants and animals, impairing their ability to breathe and move. Oil spills can also smother fish and other aquatic life, leading to significant ecological damage.

In addition to these illicit discharges, other common sources of water pollution include automotive fluids, paint, sediment, and solid waste. Automotive fluids, such as motor oil and antifreeze, can leak from vehicles and wash into storm drains, contaminating waterways with toxic chemicals. Paint, whether wet or in the form of water from tool or brush cleanup, can also contain harmful chemicals that can pollute water sources.

To protect our waterways and prevent neighbourhood flooding, it is crucial to ensure that only rainwater enters storm drains. By properly disposing of waste and reporting any illegal discharges or dumping, we can help minimise the pollution entering our lakes, rivers, and streams.

Illegal dumping of automotive fluids, such as motor oil or antifreeze

Dumping waste into storm drains can have a significant impact on the environment. Many people mistakenly believe that storm drains lead to a wastewater treatment plant, but in reality, the water entering these drains often receives no treatment and is discharged directly into nearby waterways. This means that any pollutants that enter storm drains can have a direct impact on the health of local ecosystems, as well as on drinking water supplies and water-based recreational activities.

Automotive fluids, such as motor oil and antifreeze, are among the most harmful substances that can be illegally dumped into storm drains. These fluids are highly toxic to aquatic life and can cause serious environmental damage. When dumped into storm drains, they can contaminate local waterways, harming fish and other aquatic organisms and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Motor oil, for example, can coat the surface of water bodies, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches underwater plants and algae, which can disrupt the entire food chain. It can also be ingested by aquatic organisms, causing serious health issues or even death. Antifreeze, on the other hand, contains ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to both humans and animals, even in small amounts. When dumped into storm drains, it can contaminate drinking water supplies and pose a serious health risk to anyone who consumes it.

To prevent the illegal dumping of automotive fluids, it is important to properly dispose of these substances. Many communities have designated drop-off locations for used motor oil and antifreeze, where they can be safely collected and recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. By taking the time to properly dispose of these fluids, individuals can play a crucial role in protecting local waterways and preserving the health of their communities and the environment.

Solid waste, such as mulch, soil, or garbage, deposited in the street or gutter

In addition to the immediate environmental impact, this can also affect your health and drinking water supply. Solid waste can clog storm drains, leading to localised flooding and further spreading pollution. As a homeowner, it is important to be mindful of how your actions can contribute to water quality issues in local streams and rivers.

To minimise the pollution entering waterways, it is crucial to dispose of solid waste properly and not dump it into storm drains or nearby streets and gutters. This includes ensuring that any waste generated from activities such as mopping, carpet cleaning, or cooking is disposed of responsibly and does not end up in the gutter or storm drains.

By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your local waterways and ensure that they remain clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Used cooking oil spills from tipped over storage drums or containers filled beyond capacity

Dumping waste into storm drains can cause serious pollution to local waterways. It is a common misconception that storm drains lead to a wastewater treatment plant, but in many urban and rural settings, the water entering drains receives no treatment and is discharged directly into the closest waterway. This means that anything that enters storm drains eventually makes its way through the storm sewer system to local lakes, rivers, and streams.

To prevent pollution from used cooking oil spills, it is important to properly dispose of used oil and to report any illegal dumping or illicit discharges. Homeowners and vehicle owners can also take steps to minimize the pollution entering waterways, such as by avoiding dumping waste into storm drains and ensuring that vehicles are not leaking fluids. By taking these actions, we can help protect our local waterways and maintain a healthy environment for all.

Sediment from pit dewatering without proper filtration

Dumping waste into storm drains can have a significant impact on the environment, as the water entering these drains often receives no treatment and is discharged directly into nearby waterways. This means that any pollutants that enter storm drains can contaminate local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Sediment filtration practices aim to separate sediment and other particles from stormwater. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using dewatering bag filters, silt fence enclosures, or sediment traps and basins. These practices are generally effective at removing larger particles, while smaller particles like clay and fine silt may require additional treatment.

Chemical treatment, for instance, can be used to target smaller, more buoyant particles that simple settling processes or filtration cannot capture. This treatment, when combined with sediment filtration, can effectively reduce turbidity and associated pollutants in discharge water.

By implementing proper sediment filtration and chemical treatment practices during dewatering, the impact of construction activities on nearby waterways can be significantly reduced, helping to protect water quality and the environment.

Frequently asked questions