Organized by Eight Towns and the Bay, with Rupert Nock Middle School and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. This format may be adapted for other communities.
December 2000: Storm drains are located throughout Newburyport city streets. When it rains, the water that runs along the gutters on your street “disappears” down the storm drains.
Have you ever stopped to wonder where all the water goes? It does not go into the wastewater treatment plant. In fact, anything that goes down your storm drain goes into the Merrimack River or directly into Plum Island Sound. Your neighborhood is directly linked to our coastal waters.
Items Often Placed in or Washed Into Storm Drains
Motor Oil Problem
When poured into the gutter or down a storm drain, motor oil travels to the river or harbor, where it can harm aquatic life and underwater vegetation. One quart of oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water or create an 8-acre oil slick.
Solution: Put used motor oil in a sturdy container and take it to a local service station or motor oil collection service once a week at the Recycling Center. Do not mix oil with any other substance. Call the Newburyport Recycling Coordinator at 499-0413 for more information or check the Recycling Guide at the back of the phone book.
Antifreeze Problem
Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical, poisonous to people, as well as pets, fish and birds.
Solution: Save old antifreeze and bring it to the household hazardous waste collection day once a year. Call the Newburyport Recycling Coordinator at 499-0413 for more information.
Paint Problem
Many paint products contain ingredients that my be harmful to people, animals or the environment when thrown out.
Solution: Donate unused paint (but not lead paint!) to community groups, schools, local theaters, or other interested organizations. For oil-based paints there is a Recycling Center drop-off with a fee, Thursdays 9-11, from May to mid-October. See the Recycling Guide at the back of the phone book.
Yard Waste Problem
When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes travel directly to the Merrimack River. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly, adding excessive nutrients to the water. Over time, excessive nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms, resulting in fish and shellfish kills. Yard wastes also clog storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing localized flooding.
Solution: Compost your yard clippings instead of throwing them “away.” Then use the compost to condition your soil. Check the Recycling Guide at the back of the phone book for more information.
Plastics Problem
Plastics and foam containers are lightweight and wash into storm drains and into our river. They do not decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. Plastics can kill wildlife and marine life in two ways — animals eat these materials or become entangled in them.
Solution: Minimize your use of plastic products and recycle all of the plastic materials that you can. If you see plastic litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly so that it does not get washed or blown into storm drains. Curbside recycling will accept #2 clear, narrow neck plastics; the drop-off center accepts #1 and 2.
Pet Waste Problem
Pet waste is raw sewage. It releases bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials into our water.
Solution: Dispose of pet wastes by flushing them down the toilet or burying them.
Fertilizers Problem
Fertilizers contain large amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen which can cause algal blooms in aquatic areas. These blooms deplete the oxygen in the water and lead to fish kills.
Solution: Avoid overuse of fertilizers, Use organic fertilizers such as manure or compost, and sweep fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks.
Pesticides and Herbicides Problem
Pesticides and herbicides contain toxic materials that are harmful to humans, other animals, aquatic organisms and plants. When it rains, these toxic chemicals can run off into storm drains.
Solution: Minimize your use of these chemicals. Use natural alternatives when possible. Keep grass trimmed, weed by hand, and plant grass that is native.
Information adapted from the Sea Grant Program of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Center for Marine Conservation
Remember: There is no “away” in “throwaway.”
Do Your Part - Help Us Protect the Merrimack River and Plum Island Sound!
