OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Yard work, mowing the front lawn, washing your car in your driveway, applying fertilizer and pesticides to your lawn to keep it green, trimming trees and hedges and blowing the debris into the street may provide for curb appeal in beautifying the neighborhood, but also may come with unexpected consequences.

Many people may not realize that everyday actions like using lawn chemicals, washing cars, or rinsing pollutants such as grease, oil, paint, and pet waste into streets can lead to illicit discharges. These seemingly harmless behaviors can introduce harmful toxins into Marion County’s stormwater system causing environmental damage, according to the County’s Water Resources Liaison Trevor Knight.

Lawn clippings are also problematic.  When you blow clippings into the street, debris gets into the stormwater drains and pipes, blocking and restricting the space and compromising the functioning of those components.

“As that organic matter breaks down, it releases nutrients into the stormwater that really don’t need to be there,” said Knight. “Make sure to keep all activities and materials – especially chemicals – contained on your property to prevent contamination of the stormwater system. Always read and follow product label instructions and dispose of containers properly after use.”

He also highlighted the importance of coordinating yard work activities with local weather forecasts, noting, for example, that anyone planning on fertilizing their lawn should make certain that there are no major storms or severe weather events in the forecast.

Knight advises against apply fertilizer before heavy rain or storms, as it can wash into stormwater systems and pollute waterways or groundwater. He encourages people to be mindful of how they use and dispose of products on their property. if someone sees a possible pollution issue or illegal discharge, they should report it to the stormwater department so it can be investigated and addressed to prevent future problems.

If you do see a potential issue in your neighborhood, you can call the Marion County Office of the County Engineer at 352-671-8686 or you can reach them via email at stormwater@marionfl.org.

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