Storm water pollution prevention program

The City of St. Augustine is taking considerable steps to reduce the amount of pollution that is carried from the storm water system to the local rivers and ocean according to a report received by Historic City News.

The City storm water system was designed to collect storm water runoff in curb inlets/storm drains and channel that water to the local waterways using a network of underground pipes.

A variety of toxic pollutants are washed from the roadways and parking lots into storm system which ultimately pour into the rivers and ocean. These pollutants include oil, antifreeze, and gasoline from motor vehicles; copper dust, which is released from motor vehicle brake pad linings; rubber tire dust; soaps and chemicals used to wash motor vehicles; waste motor oil from vehicles, lawn mowers, and small equipment; fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.

This type of pollution is called non-point source pollution due to the fact that it comes from many unidentifiable sources making it hard to regulate and prevent.

The City has placed markers on all the storm water inlets to provide a reminder to the public that the inlets drain to the rivers and ocean. The markers are small aluminum discs with a picture of a crab and a warning label “No Dumping, Drains to Waterway”.

It takes a community effort to keep our waterways clean and beautiful so help to keep the inlet drains clear and free of debris. The storm water system should only be used to convey storm water. This means that anything other than storm water should be disposed of properly. If you have any questions of how to dispose of items please call the Public Works Department for information.

It is impossible for the city to police every storm inlet so please do your part to prevent storm water pollution and report any suspicious activity to the City of St. Augustine Public Works Department at 825.1040.

The City of St. Augustine Public Works Department makes every effort to educate the public and prevent storm water pollution so that as a community we can protect our natural resources and preserve them for future generations