Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
Cleaning up our roads will keep trash out of our storm drains, leading to our waterways. Have you ever wondered what those little drain holes are for in sidewalks and next to streets? Many people often incorrectly assume that they are part of a sewer system. They are storm drains. Water that flows down driveways, roads, and outside areas into a storm drain or ditch can end up directly in nearby creeks, fish and wildlife habitats, downstream recreational areas, and drinking water supplies.
So, anything we leave on the pavement or intentionally dump in a storm drain ends up in our waterways, causing significant harm. Stormwater moves this litter along our water channels. Stormwater is water from rain that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, soil, and other pollutants. Rain washes contaminants from streets, construction sites, and land into storm drains and ditches. Eventually, the polluted stormwater directly into streams and rivers with no treatment creates stormwater pollution and many problems.
As a community, we hold the power to prevent stormwater pollution. Here are a few ways that you can contribute:
1. Every action counts. Don’t ever dump anything down storm drains. Clear away leaves and debris, and don’t dump your leaves and grass clippings intentionally in the drain.
2. Wash your car with biodegradable or phosphate-free soap over your lawn or gravel. You can also use a commercial car wash where wastewater is recycled or treated.
3. Keep your car well-maintained. Fix any fluid leaks promptly and clean up any spills.
4. Plant a rain garden to absorb stormwater runoff. You can also use a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof and gutters and use it on your lawn and garden.
5. Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly. Try organics options.
6. Mow the lawn less often. Minimize runoff by not over-watering your landscape. By maintaining your lawn at least 3 inches in height, you can actively contribute to minimizing weed growth, reducing the need for watering, and decreasing the likelihood of pests. Leaving the clippings on the lawn can also help block weeds and retain moisture.
7. Sweep your sidewalks and driveway rather than hosing them down.
8. Plant native, low-maintenance plants and grasses.
9. Clean up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.
10. Consider minimizing impervious surfaces around your home. Instead of asphalt or concrete, use bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers.
11. Keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks. It can leach harmful bacteria, so regular maintenance is crucial.
Keep Liberty Beautiful’s Rivers Alive Cleanups will continue until December 31. So, if you are curious about why efforts like the Rivers Alive cleanups, Adopt Liberty Groups, or the fantastic Storm Drain Marker Project, a collaborative initiative led by the Hinesville Rotary Club that the club has been spearheading for the last five years, matter, it is because we all need to protect our waterways from stormwater pollution. November 15 is America Recycles Day, and throughout the month, we will talk about recycling and the effects of littering.
Keep Liberty Beautiful is sponsoring a Recycled Art Contest, and it is open to residents in Liberty and Long counties. Entries must be made from at least 80% recyclables or trash material that is clean and safe to touch. They should be no larger than 15x15x25 inches and easy to transport and display outdoors. Entries must be suitable for public viewing without offensive language or images.
Members of the Keep Liberty Beautiful Advisory Board will judge entries. Winning entries will be selected, and prizes - $75 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third - will be awarded in each category. One entry per participant. Students must participate as individuals. No group entries will be permitted. Include a detailed description of your art on a separate sheet of paper. Items must be the sole and original work of the exhibitor. An entry form must be completed and submitted with the artwork. Students’ names must not be visible on the front of their artwork. There will be no charge for entry into this contest.
People’s Choice Award will be chosen online on the Keep Liberty Beautiful Facebook page from November 15-22. (KLB Gift Bag). Entries must be submitted by 4 p.m., November 8. Entries can be turned in at the Keep Liberty Beautiful office at 9397 E. Oglethorpe Hwy, Midway, GA 31320, or the Liberty County Extension Office at 100 Main Street, Suite 1200, Hinesville, GA 31313. Winners will be announced at each school and on Keep Liberty Beautiful social media on November 15, America Recycles Day. People’s Choice Award winner will be notified via Live Facebook on November 22 at 4 p.m.
CATEGORIES: Elementary Middle School High School JUDGING CRITERIA Creative use of recycled materials Neatness Difficulty Craftsmanship Appearance So, plan to make a difference and contact us at Keep Liberty Beautiful, (912) 880-4888, klcb@libertycountyga.gov or www.keeplibertybeautiful. org. And remember, only rain goes down the storm drain!