NCS000515_Yard Waste Brochure_20200921

OVERVIEW
Why is yard waste a problem?
Anything that gets into the path of
rainwater, including yard waste becomes
stormwater pollution. Problems occur
when yard waste enters the municipal
stormwater system. Often the cause of
flooding or damage to the system is limbs,
leaves, and yard debris washed down
stream clogging pipes and culverts.
How can I help?
• Blow leaves and grass clippings back
into your yard instead of into the
street, curbs, and storm drains.
• Use a broom or leaf blower instead of
a hose to clear your driveway or
sidewalk.
• Turn your yard waste into mulch or
leave it on the ground. Yard waste acts
as a natural fertilizer.
• Properly bag leaves and grass
clippings and place on the curb for
pickup.
• Use a compost bin to turn yard waste
into a useful garden product.
• Help the town prevent system clogs by
keeping your curb and gutter free of
leaves, limbs, and debris.
Everyone can make a difference!
704.857.2466
Call to Report an
Issue!
To report a stormwater issue in town, please
call 704.857.2466 ext. 1o6 or email storm-
[e-mail]. Many environmen-
tal problems can be improved and resolved as
a result of these investigations. You can make
a difference!
• What do I say when I call?
1) Your name and contact information
2) Location of the incident
3) Date and time you witnessed the incident
4) General description of activity and mate-
rials involved
• What happens after I call?
Town staff will investigate and follow standard
operating procedures.
Yard Waste
Management
CH NA GROVE
STORMWATER
An original town.
Stormwater Management
Program
333 North Main Street
[e-mail]

1
c.edr
wr,
utlets at the
astewater
Treatment Plant
Uutlets to the nearest
Creek or River
Two Systems
The stormwater system is often
confused with the sanitary sewer
system. In China Grove, these are
two distinctly separate systems.
Flows to the sanitary sewer system
(e.g. flushing toilets, shower drains,
kitchen sink drains, roof drains,
etc.) are treated by Salisbury Rowan
Utilities. SRU has two treatment
facilities: Grant Creek and Town
Creek Wastewater Treatment
Plants.
Flows to the stormwater system
(through curb drains on the edge of
the street, stormwater yard inlets,
etc.) usually go to the nearest creek
or stream and do not receive
treatment at a plant.
Where does it come from?
In the spring and summer, there are
fertilizers, grass clippings, and weeds. In
the fall leaves can pile up. Winter
weather may cause limbs to fall. There
are ways to dispose of this waste but
placing it in or near a storm drain is
never an option.
Where does it go?
When not properly disposed of yard
debris will wash into drains, and creeks
in our community. This large quantity of
debris cannot be properly processed by
nature. The result is clogged drain pipes,
flooding, algae blooms, and sediment
build up.
Yard Waste Pickup
The Town of China Grove collects yard
waste on scheduled collection days.
Provided the yard waste meets the
requirements of the Town ordinance:
Limbs and Brush are collected on
Tuesdays. The town will not pickup
after hired contractors. Bagged leaves
and boxed debris are collected on
Wednesdays.
For more information regarding leaf,
limb, and curbside pick up please
contact Public Works @ (704) 857-
2466, or refer to the Residential Services
Guide.
Fertilizer Tips...
• Use pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers occasionally and away
from storm drains and ditches.
• Reduce the amount of fertilizers by
having your soil tested.
• Apply fertilizers exactly where you
want them. Avoid spraying
sidewalks and driveways.
What problems are caused by
stormwater?
Problems caused in water bodies may
include erosion/sedimentation,
turbidity, eutrophication, increased
salinity and habitat disruption.
Eutrophication results from excess plant
nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorous —
found in many fertilizers) causing an
overgrowth of algae, leading to decreased
oxygen levels in surface waters. This
creates problems for aquatic life.
The Town of China Grove Drain Markers