The Keep Truckee Green slogan is picking up a new meaning. Used until now primarily for the Truckee Solid Waste and Recycling Division, it has been expanded to encompass a variety of plans to reduce environmental damage. The new comprehensive program will help develop innovative, practical, and wide-ranging environmental programs in solid waste, recycling, toxics reduction, storm water management, storm water monitoring, energy efficiency, climate change, and sustainability. Although this comprehensive approach will be developed and implemented over time, the Town of Truckee is excited to introduce its newest addition – the Clean Water Program.
The Clean Water Program focuses on water-runoff pollution prevention in our rivers, lakes, and streams. Water runoff picks up oils, grease, dirt, trash, dog waste, pesticides, and other pollutants before it ends up -– untreated – in our waterways. Under the program, the Town, with regulatory oversight from the Lahonton Regional Water Quality Control Board, will work towards reducing the amount of pollutants reaching our waterways by implementing the following control measures:
• Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts,
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination,
• Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control,
• Post-Construction Storm Water Management for New Development and Redevelopment,
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations.
There is a Fish on Your Street
To raise awareness that water in storm drains and drainage ditches flows directly to local streams, rivers and lakes, the Town will be installing storm drain markers. In tandem, to gauge the effectiveness of the control measures, the Town has developed a comprehensive water-quality monitoring program.
In a test pilot program, the Town will be installing ‘fish’ or storm drain markers near drainage inlets and structures around Town to remind locals and tourists that what goes down the storm drains ends up in our rivers and lakes. The first year, the Town will be installing approximately 50 to 60 stainless steel markers in various representative areas around town that drain to the Truckee River and approximately 60 will be installed in conjunction with the new Donner Lake Bike Lane Project.
Funding has been provided in part from the Truckee River Fund of the Western Nevada Community Foundation through the Truckee River Watershed Council and the Town of Truckee.
Water run-off due to storms and excess watering is considered non-point source pollution. That means pollution is not from one obvious source such as a factory or mine. Non-point sources are cumulative and all the little pollutants add up, such as the small oil leak in your car or the dog mess that wasn’t cleaned up. All these small pollutants get washed down the street when it rains or as the snow melts and into the ditches and storm drains that flow directly to the streams, rivers, and lakes in our town. That is why it takes everyone doing their part to make a difference.
Simple Things You Can Do To Protect Local Waterways:
• Never dump anything down the storm drain system, streets, or into waterways.
• Take your car to the car wash or wash your car on the lawn or gravel.
• Recycle used motor oil, filters, and other household hazardous waste. Visit townoftruckee.com to find out more about recycling these items.
• Scoop the Poop. Pick up after your pet and deposit in trash.
• Use fertilizers sparingly. Do not apply before storm events and don’t over water. A better alternative to chemical fertilizers is nutrient rich compost.
• Brush out extra paint. Water based paint brushes can be cleaned up in the sink. Solvents can be reused and brought to household hazardous waste days.
• Keep leaves, and grass clippings out of ditches and storm drains.
• Prevent soil erosion. Cover bare soil with mulch or pine needles.
• Take precautions to prevent water runoff from your property, this includes putting sprinklers on timers.
• Dry sweep your driveway rather than hosing it off.
Truckee’s pristine lakes and rivers brought many of us here, whether just for a vacation or to live and work here permanently. Keeping our waterways healthy is a great way to ensure Truckee’s future success. Increased awareness and making sure everyone does their part is vital in keeping pollutants out of our rivers and lakes.
~ 530-582-2938, jthompson@townoftruckee.com.
