Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Biggest threats to
Hermantown's stormwater system:
1. Cigarette butts thrown onto the street
2. Grass clippings from blowing grass into street while mowing
3. Temperature from impervious surfaces
4. Sediment from exposed soil at construction sites and unlandscaped yards
5. Over-applied lawn chemicals
Tips for residents
wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway
Soapy & oily water needs to filter through the soil instead of washing into the street.
aim rain gutters onto grass
Grass acts as a natural filter and baffle, slowing down and cleaning runoff; a great alternative is a rain barrel or rain garden.
pick up dog waste and put in the trash
Your dog, along with the hundreds of other dogs in Hermantown, can add too many nutrients to stormwater.
plant grass and landscape your yard
Not only does it look nice, but it prevents stormwater from washing away the soil. It is also part of City Code and can be enforced.
minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides
Cleaners, pesticides and herbicides are often persistent (not biodegradable) and can seriously damage aquatic plants and animals. Often it is easy to reduce the use of these chemicals and many have safe and easy alternatives. Make sure to dispose of chemicals properly, many common household items require special hazardous waste collection.
check your vehicles often for leaks
A leaky car is bad for your car and bad for the environment.
never dump used motor oil in your yard
Ask your auto parts store where to recycle oil.
never dump anything into a stormwater drain or creek
It's unnecessary, irresponsible, and illegal-- take pride in your City. All stormwater drains in Hermantown go to wetlands and creeks. Over 50% of all storm drains in the City were found to have cigarette butts in them. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable and persist in natural areas for over a decade, leaching toxic chemicals concentrated in the filter.
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