GV Newsletter 10-2021 web

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GOVERNMENT OUR NATURAL environment WHEN IT RAINS, WHERE DOES THE WATER GO? Rain, especially Colorado afternoon summer and fall thunderstorms, causes water to flow down streets, into gutters typically and then into storm inlets. This water then flows into a local water body or sometimes infiltrates into groundwater or aquifers. When storm flows enter into a stormwater pipe, there are typically no pretreatment facilities to remove debris or contaminants from the water. In fact, the water is almost always discharged untreated into a local creek, pond or lake. The mistaken belief that this water is treated results from a misunderstanding between sanitary and storm water systems. Generally, most indoor water fixtures are connected to the sanitary system. Most outdoor items are connected to the storm water system. A sanitary system captures used water from households and businesses and routes this water to a wastewater treatment facility. At the wastewater facility, the harmful contaminants are removed and clean, treated water is released into the environment. Some common everyday items that are part of the sanitary system are toilets, kitchen and bathroom faucets, showers and baths. Unlike a sanitary system, storm water systems only collect storm water and the water is not typically treated. The collected storm water is transported and released into a local creek, pond, or lake. Some common everyday items that are part of storm water system are street drains, culverts, and ditches. It is important to understand the difference between sanitary and storm water systems because many everyday items such as pet waste, grass clippings, engine oil, or fertilizers accidentally become part of the storm water system. When it rains, water falls to the ground and washes over these pollutants. These pollutants are then carried by the storm water to local creeks, ponds and lakes, such as Cherry Creek Reservoir. When introduced into the environment, these pollutants, along with other everyday household items, can harm the environment. In order to reduce the amount of pollutants being introduced into the environment, individuals can ensure that pet waste and grass clippings are collected and disposed of in a responsible manner. Pet waste should be picked up and thrown with your weekly garbage. When using fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides residents can reduce storm water pollution by applying these products at the proper rate and by not using these products immediately before a storm. The Village also provides to its residents curbside pick up of household toxic materials such as paints, gasoline and other products. For more information on this program or to schedule a pick up, please call Curbside Inc. at 1-800-449-7587. While some storm water pollutants are accidentally introduced into the environment, unfortunately, other pollutants are intentionally introduced into the environment. Even though this activity is illegal, it still occurs. Fortunately, the amount of illegal dumping in the Village is minimal because of the vigilant efforts of the community. The Village has a program called Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination. This program follows the procedures and guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and is managed under the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit. In order to keep our environment clean and to protect our high quality of life, please report any suspected illegal dumping by calling Greenwood Village Public Works at 303-708-6100. The community can help improve the environment by reducing storm water pollution. You can do your part by: • understanding that water flowing into drains, culverts and pipes eventually reaches local creeks, ponds and lakes and is not treated; • keeping in mind what products are used in and around your residence; • understanding that these household products may accidentally enter local water bodies; • properly using and disposing of materials that can potentially pollute the environment; and • Reporting illegal dumping of materials. For more information, please call Alexis Cook, Project Manager II, at 303-708-6133. GV PG. 16 GV NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2021
GOVERNMENT LEAF REMOVAL OPTIONS As we enter into the fall season, keeping Greenwood Village clean will continue to be a high priority. To assist with these efforts, we ask that you do not place loose leaves or yard debris in the street as our sweepers are not equipped to pick them up. Moreover, this debris can be windblown or washed into the storm systems and waterways of the Village. Instead, consider these disposal options: • Arrange for your lawn care provider to remove the leaves when performing your yard service. • Bag your leaves in compostable paper yard waste bags and place them out with your weekly trash pick up. These bags of leaves will end up in the landfill and paper is preferred over plastic, which never breaks down and is bad for the environment. • Republic Services has no limit as to how many bags of leaves they will pick up, however, keep in mind if some bags are not picked up, they will return once they have unloaded their truck. • Ace Hardware Cherry Hills Marketplace, 5910 South University Boulevard, has partnered with the City of Greenwood Village to provide residents with one FREE 5-pack of compostable paper yard waste bags with the coupon provided. One per household please; no photocopied coupons will be accepted. • Recycle your leaves at Village Greens Park. Leaves can be dropped off loose or in bags any day of the week between October 11 and December 3, 2021, in the dedicated area of the north parking lot. This is an environmentally friendly option with staff spreading and disking the material into the soil where native grass cannot be established, adding nutrients, helping with moisture retention, and provides a place for soilborne microorganisms to live. It does not impact the landfill and it is cost effective. No bags are required, and you do not have to wait until your trash day to dispose of them. For more information, please contact Parks, Trails, and Recreation at 303-486-5773. GV WHY SHOULDN’T I SWEEP MY LEAVES OR GRASS CLIPPINGS INTO THE STREET? As the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall, it’s tempting to rake the leaves and other yard debris into the street. Unfortunately, the street sweeping equipment is not able to handle limbs, branches or large quantities of leaves and grass; much of the material is left behind by the sweeper and unintentionally spread across the street. Leaves and grass are natural but when it rains, these materials on streets and sidewalks can wash into storm drains and lead to Village waterways such as streams and ponds. These organic material decay overtime and over-fertilize the water. The excess nutrients from this debris encourages harmful aquatic plants and algae to thrive, which has a lasting negative impact on water quality, local ecology, and recreational use of our waterways. This is a form of stormwater pollution that is preventable with care and proper action. Please do your part and do not sweep lawn debris into the street. Instead, take advantage of the coupon for yard waste bags provided in this article! OCTOBER 2021 | GV NEWSLETTER PG. 17
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GV Newsletter 10-2021 web

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