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LEWISTON — Local Girl Scouts joined the the Androscoggin Valley Stormwater Working Group to help mark streets near catch basins as part of an effort for cleaner and safer water required by the federal Clean Water Act.
The storm water group area comprises Lewiston, Auburn, Sabbatus and Lisbon, and participants are working in concert with the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, according to a news release from the district, which also suggested ways residents can help keep pollutants from storm water runoff.
The group on June 4 stenciled drains in the group’s municipalities to help remind residents not to dump litter and pollutants down the drains. Runoff also catches pollutants as it runs off roofs, through yards and down streets, and the marked drains are a reminder to residents to be more aware of the process, a news release said, Additionally, illegal waste dumping or trash into the drainage system can create more pollution and clog drainage systems, creating backups, nuisance flooding and requires expensive cleaning operations.
Public engagement in pollution prevention, such as environmentally sensitive lawn care, can greatly assist municipalities in these costly cleanups which fall on taxpayers, the release said.
Residents can make a difference by using organic material and mulches, so soil will increase its water retention and will minimize storm water pollutants; keeping lawn taller, to help maintain healthy soil, which absorbs more water, resulting in less polluted runoff from lawns; leaving lawn clippings for natural fertilizer; planning watering around rain and using sprinklers efficiently to reduce runoff; using phosphorus-free or slow-release fertilizers; using native plants and grouping plants together that need similar amounts of water.
Over the last 14 years, MDEP has regulated stormwater discharges under the federal Clean Water Act, and the Androscoggin Valley Stormwater Working Group, has developed a storm water management program that includes pollution control measures. The Girl Scout stenciling effort is a part of that. For other tips, visit www.yardscaping.org.
