BE PART OF THE SOLUTION TO STORMWATER POLLUTION
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? The next time it rains, look
at a street gutter or roadside ditch. The rain, rather than seeping into the
soil, flows quickly off roads and roofs. It picks up detergents, oil,
grease, heavy metals, and trash from roads, sediment from construction sites
and pesticides and fertilizers from lawns. It rushes through storm drains
and, when discharged to the local waterways, erodes the natural eco-system.
Contrary to popular belief, most storm drains are not connected to treatment
systems. Whatever enters the drain is discharged directly, untreated into
local waterways. What started as a friendly rain, is now a serious polluter.
Stormwater pollution is also known as "nonpoint source
pollution," as it comes from many locations that, while each may be very
small, cumulatively have a large impact. Stormwater pollution can make
monitoring and treatment of our drinking water more difficult and costly. In
addition, it can hinder the health of the aquatic ecosystem and eventually
result in the loss of our waterways for recreational purposes.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Businesses, residents and
visitors can promote the protection of water quality by taking action to
reduce those activities that lead to non-point source water pollution. You
can help by using the following tips below to prevent pollution. More
information is available by contacting the San Juan County Public Works
Department or the Town of Friday Harbor.
Additionally, the Town is in the process of marking storm
drain inlets in private parking areas with decals and distributing
informational handouts to businesses.
TOP TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE A "SOLUTION TO STORMWATER
POLLUTION"
-
Never dump anything down a storm drain or into a
drainage ditch.
-
Recycle motor oil and other vehicle fluids.
-
Throw litter in its place.
-
Clean up after your pet.
-
Check and repair your vehicles for leaks.
-
Dispose of household hazardous wastes at designated
locations.
-
Compost yard clippings.
-
Use fertilizer and pesticide only when needed (Read
the label!).
-
If you wash your vehicle at home, do so on the lawn
rather than the pavement.
-
Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent
stormwater pollution and get involved in your community.
Thank you for your cooperation!
NOTICE TO
THE PUBLIC: GUARD STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – PHASE 4
Dear Townspeople,
The reconstruction of Guard Street from Marguerite Place
to Park Street is scheduled to begin June 11, 2008 and estimated to last
ninety (90) working days. We anticipate that construction activities
will be disruptive to your daily lives as the roadway will be congested
with workers and equipment. Access to your homes will be
maintained, but there will be times when you will be asked to wait while
ditches are being filled or equipment moved.
Please be patient during the unavoidable delays and
detours. If you have any questions, please call Town Hall at
378–2390.
David F. Jones, Mayor
Dear Townspeople,
It’s that time of year
again when the grass and brush are getting tall. We ask that you
cut your tall grass as soon as possible. Dry uncut tall grass and brush
can be a serious fire danger to your property and your neighbors.
NOTE:
Regulations
do not permit most burning within the Town of Friday Harbor. For
more information please contact the Friday Harbor Fire Department at
378-4183.
Thank you,
David Jones, Mayor
