Frankfort Street Superintendent Jason Forsythe has released a series of MS4 messages involving the reasons behind doing certain things in the City of Frankfort. The messages also give reasons why every resident in the community needs to adhere and follow regulations.
#1 – Stormwater
Stormwater, what’s the big deal?
Impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots and buildings prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. As a result, when stormwater flows across these surfaces it picks up debris and chemicals that can cause stormwater pollution. Once pollution reaches waterways, it can poison fish, damage ecosystems, and even end up in water used for drinking or recreation. Do your part to keep waterways clean by properly disposing of unused household chemicals.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#2 – Animal Waste
Pet waste, what’s the big deal?
Your pet’s waste is more than an unpleasant reminder of pet ownership, it is actually a stormwater concern that affects the entire community. Pet wastes contain nutrients that promote algae growth in local water bodies when carried off by stormwater. Pet wastes also contain bacteria that can cause disease. Please do your part in keeping Frankfort clean and healthy by properly disposing of your pet’s waste into trash cans.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#3 – Vehicle Washing
To wash or not to wash, that is the question!
Whether you are looking to wash off residue from road salt during the winter months, or looking to showcase your ride for summer cruising, it is important to understand how your washing activities affect local waterways. Detergent-rich wash water carries nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons into storm drains that flow into local waterways. You can help by using commercial car-wash facilities, as they either recycle or treat the wash water before discharging to the sanitary sewer, or you can wash your vehicle on a flat pervious surface such as a lawn or vegetated area so that the wash water can soak into the ground, where pollutants are filtered out through the soil.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#4 – Fall Leaves
Leaves, leaves, everywhere leaves!
Although leaves seem harmless, and biodegradable, excess leaves pose a threat to water quality. Leaves block drains and contribute to localized flooding and can be discharged into our lakes and streams. Once they get into the water, excess leaves shade aquatic life that need sun to live. Decomposing leaves also release nutrients that stimulate algae growth, which in turn can lead to fish kills. You can help by keeping leaves out of the streets. Mulching leaves on your lawn with your mower is a more environmentally friendly and less labor-intensive alternative to raking or burning leaves. The mulched leaves will actually serve as a natural fertilizer returning nutrients to your lawn instead of harming water quality.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#5 – Recycling
Why should I bother?
Recycling creates a use for unwanted manufactured products by using them as raw materials to manufacture new or recycled products. This prevents the pollution and destruction that occurs when virgin materials, like trees and precious metals, are extracted from the Earth. Recycling saves resources, prevents pollution, supports public health, and creates jobs. In addition to curbside recycling every Wednesday for the entire community, residents can drop off their recyclables at the Frankfort Street Department at 905 Burlington Avenue from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Street Department is also open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8:00 AM to Noon. Glass, plastic, cardboard, paper, metal, televisions, electronic equipment, paint, motor oil, trash, leaves, and grass clippings are accepted. No brush or tree limbs, construction materials, tires, or bulk items are accepted on Saturdays.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#6 – Household Hazardous Waste
Why it matters!
Leftover household products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides contain potentially hazardous ingredients that require special care when you dispose of them. Improper disposal of these wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in the trash. Improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Contact the Clinton County Wild Cat Solid Waste District or visit its website to learn more about household hazardous waste disposal opportunities.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#7 – Grass Clippings
Be green!
Did you know that grass clippings are considered a source of pollution when washed directly into storm drains or drainage ditches? Not only do they clog the storm drains and cause localized flooding, but clippings can also fill catch basins to capacity and create flooding during rain events. The increase in nutrients associated with grass clippings in the storm system can also cause algae growth, kill fish and other aquatic life, and add organic material to the drainage system that can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and insects. You can help by simply mulching the grass back to the lawn to serve as a natural fertilizer.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#8 – Droughts and Landscaping
What to do when the rain has stopped?
A lawn going through a drought is stressed. A drought is one of those times when it’s best to just not do anything to your lawn. Mow as little as possible or at the highest setting (3-4 inches). The taller grass aids in storing water and photosynthesis. Don’t fertilize, don’t aerate, de-thatch, or top-dress. Do not do anything to bring added stress to the plant, including aggressive lawn activities and foot traffic.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.
#9 – Pesticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers
The price of a green lawn!
Stormwater runoff from areas treated with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can pollute local waterways and water wells. These residues can harm plants and animals and contaminate groundwater. To help, be sure to follow these practices.
- Always follow the instructions on the container label when handling and applying lawn chemicals.
- Losses of lawn chemicals are greatest when it rains heavily right after you apply. Reduce runoff by watching the weather forecast and delaying application until after a storm passes.
- Be aware of sensitive areas such as sandy soil, sinkholes, wells, streams, ponds, or storm sewers. Avoid applying lawn chemicals near these areas.
To learn more about the City of Frankfort’s stormwater program, visit the Frankfort Municipal Utilities website.