D49 Stormwater Program
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
What is stormwater?
Why can it be a problem?
Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over driveways, sidewalks, streets and prevents stormwater from naturally soaking in to the ground. Anything that enters the storm sewer system is untreated and discharged in waterways that may be used for recreation, agriculture, and a source of supply for drinking water systems.
Polluted stormwater runoff can have adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people. Debris, trash, construction sites, and household hazardous waste (such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids) can harm and poison aquatic life. These materials must never be poured down drains or placed in the trash. Polluted stormwater can also impact drinking water sources, affecting human health and drinking water treatment costs.
All incidents involving release of hazardous material to sewer systems or the environment should be reported to Facilities through email: tara.carey@d49.org or phone: 719-494-8934.
https://cccleanwater.org/residents-community/watersheds/what-is-stormwater/
Household Hazardous and Universal Waste
Did you know the El Paso County Environmental Division accepts household hazardous waste (i.e. paints, chemicals, some e-waste, paper, glass, cardboard, etc.)? Call 719-520-7878 or email evs-epc@elpasoco.com for more information.
Nutrients
Lawn Care
Caring for your lawn properly can both enhance its appearance and provide environmental benefits. Healthy grass is a feeding ground for birds, prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants and absorbs airborne pollutants. But remember, what you put on your lawn doesn't stay there.
Treatments such as fertilizers, bug killers and weed killers can end up in our waterways and kill plants, fish and other animals.
Snow Melt
Deicer chemicals, salt, and sand used on the streets, parking areas, and sidewalks during the winter months may be carried to the storm sewer system when snow, accumulated in piles during routine snow removal activities, melts. Tips to remember: shovel the snow as soon as possible, avoid over application of deicer/salt/sand, and use the correct product for the situation.
Pet Waste
Pet waste is a large source of stormwater pollution. Harmful bacteria, parasites, and nutrients are transported through the stormwater and into surface water. Bacteria and parasites can be harmful to humans which can cause serious illnesses. Please pick up after your pet. Always carry pet waste bags while you hike, at the park, and around your neighborhood and make sure you throw it in a trash can and not on the side of the trail or sidewalk.
https://www.larimer.gov/engineering/stormwater-drainage/stormwater-quality/residents-stormwater