Stormwater

  • Product Stewardship in Logging Industry Could Reduce Landslides

    July 15th, 2008


    Storms in the state of Washington last year produced mudslides that could have been prevented by proper product stewardship in the logging industry, according to a Seattle Times story for Envirolink. Logging these areas removes trees that help intercept the rain and bind the soil. Decades of studies, which have been used to help shape state forest-practice rules, show continue …


  • EPA Launches Plan to Improve Water Quality

    January 17th, 2008


    The EPA today released a plan to reduce runoff and sewer overflows with green infrastructure including green roofs, trees and tree boxes, rain gardens, and porous pavements.


  • National Estuary Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary

    November 1st, 2007


    The NEP, which includes 28 estuaries across the country, was developed 20 years ago to protect and restore over one million acres of water habitats.


  • What is a Rain Barrel?

    October 30th, 2007


    A rain barrel is a way to capture rain and stormwater runoff from the downspout of the common roof to be stored and used as secondary greywater, for such things as the irrigation of a garden or lawn.

    For thousands of years human beings have been harnessing the power of rain, in all sorts of conditions, the world over, changing and continue …


  • Why is My Beach Closed?

    June 5th, 2007


    The most common causes for beach closures are people. People leave pet waste on the lawn when it rains. People let small children swim when the should be using the restroom instead. If you were to plot the water quality on a busy beach every day, you would see a clear cycle of fecal indicator bacteria increasing dramatically after every continue …


  • Pet Waste

    April 2nd, 2007


    Learn how to properly dispose of pet waste

    Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and organisms that can spread disease. Pick up pet waste, seal it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in trash cans. Don’t hose waste into storm drains. Help keep your neighborhood and your pet healthy and clean.

    To find out how and where to dispose of pet continue …


  • Yard and Grass Clippings

    April 2nd, 2007


    Learn how to properly dispose of yard and grass clippings.

    Yard and grass clippings can reach our local waterways by washing into storm drains. Keep green waste out of storm drains. Try grasscycling, composting, or participating in your local green waste program.

    Grasscycling is the practice of leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the continue …


  • Paints and Solvents

    April 2nd, 2007


    Learn how to properly dispose of paints and solvents

    Do you know where to wash your paint brushes?

    If you’re using latex-water-based paints, you can wash your paint brushes directly in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Don’t rinse your brushes in the street. Remember, storm drains flow directly and without treatment into local waterways. If you must use oil-based paints, clean-up properly continue …


  • Fertilizers

    April 2nd, 2007


    Learn how to properly dispose of fertilizers

    Did you know that fertilizers can harm our environment?

    Fertilizers promote algae growth in our waterways. When algae decomposes, the oxygen level in the water is depleted, and harming aquatic life. When using fertilizers, follow application instructions, do not overwater, and do not apply if rain is forecasted.


  • Pesticides

    April 2nd, 2007


    Learn how to properly dispose of pesticides.

    Did you know that pesticides that wash off our yards from rain or overwatering are toxic to the environment?

    Testing has shown that even small amounts of commonly used pesticides may be lethal to living creatures. So try non-toxic alternatives for pest control. Take unwanted or unused pesticides to a household hazardous waste collection center. continue …