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Contents:
1.  General Information
2.  Septic Systems
3.  Construction Activities
4.  Horses/Stables
5.  Links to other sites
STORMWATER LINKS:

USEPA Stormwater

NYSDEC Stormwater

Nassau County Stormwater

US EPA - Stormwater

NYS Dept. of Conservation-Stormwater

Center for Watershed Protection

2016 S.T.O.P. Collection Schedule

GeesePeace in OB/CSH Watershed

Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee
Report Illicit Discharges to the Village, County or State Drainage System to the
County Stormwater Hotline
(516) 571-7535) All Callers Can Remain Anonymous

What is stormwater pollution?
Anything that gets in the path of a raindrop becomes stormwater pollution or a non-point
source pollution.

How is stormwater pollution a problem?
Storm drains (like those found along curbs) do not go to wastewater treatment plants. Water entering storm drains flows untreated into streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, lakes, sounds, bays, and oceans. Stormwater picks up and carries numerous pollutants into our waterways bacteria (pathogens), sediment, trash, automotive fluids like used oil and antifreeze, grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, excess fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides. Many of these pollutants can cause problems in very small amounts. Polluted stormwater runoff is so varied and so widespread that it is very difficult to address its sources.

What can you do to prevent storm water pollution?
There are several things residents can do to prevent storm water pollution.

Animal Waste
  • Pick up after your pets.  Dispose of pet waste properly in a trash receptacle or flush it down the toilet.
  • Keep manure piles covered and on impervious surfaces
Your Septic System
Overflowing septic systems can result in pathogen pollution:
  • Have your septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional
  • Your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years).
  • Household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, etc. should be taken to the Town S.T.O.P collection sites and not flushed. Overflowing septic systems can pollute our waterways.
Reducing Runoff
  • Adjust sprinklers so that you're not watering the street or sidewalk.
  • Redirect roof gutters to lawns, dry wells, or rain gardens.
  • Talk your car to a car wash instead of washing it on the driveway.
Pool Water
  • Pool water must be dechlorinated before discharging.
  • Even small concentrations of chlorine that are fine for humans can harm aquatic life. Chlorine can be very toxic to fish, small crustaceans, and plankton.
Consider the following options for removing chlorine:
Simply stop adding chlorine to your uncovered pool and wait. Sunlight will help to naturally dissipate the chlorine within 10 days. During that time, use a swimming pool test kit to measure chlorine.Chemically dechlorinate the pool water. Chemicals that will quickly remove chlorine are available through pool and spa care vendors.

Geese and other Waterfowl
Droppings from geese and ducks can be a significant source of pathogens that pollute our waterways:
  • Don't feed geese and ducks, it encourages them to remain and become full-time residents and create a nuisance
  • Feeding them bread and popcorn in unhealthy for the birds
  • Feeding concentrates geese and leads to human/goose conflicts
Lawn Care & Yard Waste
  • Apply fertilizers and pesticides exactly where you want them.  Avoid over spraying them onto sidewalks, driveways or streets.
  • Reduce the amount of fertilizers you need to apply by testing the soil in your yard first.
  • Sweep up yard debris instead of washing it away.
  • Bundle yard waste at the curb for pickup.
  • Blow leaves and grass clippings back into your yard instead of leaving them in the street to wash down the storm drain.
  • Use a compost bin to turn yard waste into a useful gardening product.
Planting
  • Replant bare areas to avoid soil erosion.
  • Keep invasive plants from growing in your yard.  Remove before they have a chance to spread.
  • Avoid planting exotic plants.  Select only plants that are native to this area.
Household Hazardous Waste
  • Never dump anything down a storm drain.  Many storm drains flow to the waterway.
  • Take used oil, paint and other household hazardous waste to Town recycling centers (see Oyster Bay S.T.O.P. for times and locations).
  • Check your car for oil or other leaks.

Is it illegal to pollute the storm drainage system?
It is illegal to discharge, cause to be discharged, directly or indirectly, or cause any pollutant to enter into the storm drain system unless it is by a NYSDEC permit.  Stormwater runoff is the only discharge permitted in the drainage system except for exempt non-stormwater discharges which do not negatively impact the quality of the receiving waters including:
  1. Water line flushing, except super-chlorinated water line flushing.
  2. Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration.
  3. Uncontaminated groundwater discharges.
  4. Discharge from potable water sources.
  5. Foundation and footing drains
  6. Any SPDES permitted discharge.
  1. Air conditioning condensate.
  2. Irrigation water.
  3. Springs.
  4. Lawn watering.
  5. De-chlorinated swimming pool discharge.
  6. Street wash water.
  7. Flows from fire fighting activities.

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