Press Release
♦ Salisbury, North Carolina, March 26th. The Salisbury Stormwater Services Division is partnering with the Salisbury Youth Council to protect water resources in the City and downstream by reminding everyone to never dump or allow anything other than rain to wash down storm drains, “Only Rain Down the Drain,” as the slogan states.
This week, weather permitting, the Youth Council will begin labeling unmarked storm drains with small round signs that say “No Dumping – Drains to River.” The signs will serve as a reminder that anything that makes its way into storm drains flows untreated directly to waterways and ultimately affects water quality and wildlife in and around our rivers and streams.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that pollution from stormwater makes up 40% of our nation’s water pollution.
Here are a few key points from your Stormwater Services Division:
• Wash cars over grassy areas and use bio-friendly detergents or take vehicles to commercial car washes
• Never wash or dump waste, fats, grease, oils or chemicals down storm drains and clean up oil spills and used oil
• Pick up any trash that can clog storm drains
• Clean up after pets as their waste can generate harmful bacteria
• Drain pools when chlorine levels are safe
• Follow proper lawn care practices. That includes sweeping up excess fertilizers and pesticides from sidewalks.
The Salisbury Youth Council will begin their volunteer project in the Eagle Heights and Country Club Hills areas.
**Pictures are of pumping out petroleum-laced water from the “toxic crater” at 329 S. Main in February of 2013 into the City of Salisbury sewer system**
