‘Spring Into Stormwater-Friendly Gardening Practices,’ Says City of Arcata

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

Arcata, CA – The City of Arcata’s Environmental Services Department has developed some helpful stormwater-friendly garden and lawn care tips for community members to follow this spring.

Lawn care, landscaping and garden pest control practices are significant contributors to stormwater pollution, which can harm the environment and local wildlife. Below are some landscaping and gardening tips that can help protect our environment this spring.

Yard Waste – Although organic, lawn and garden clippings should not be raked, blown or dumped into the street or any body of water. These items add excessive nutrients to our creeks which can lead to algae blooms and reduce oxygen levels. Garden clipping can also cause blockages to storm drains and pipes. Yard waste should be discarded into a green waste bin, composted on-site or taken to a green waste facility, such as the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station, located at 1059 West Hawthorne Street in Eureka or Wes Green Landscaping, located at 6360 West End Road in Arcata.

Chemical Use – Like yard waste, fertilizers and pesticides add excessive nutrients to water bodies that can be toxic to aquatic wildlife. Fertilizers and pesticides should be applied sparingly and wisely. Please avoid letting any of this material flow into the street or a storm drain, and never use chemicals or fertilizers when rain is in the forecast.

Dirt and Sediment – Dirt, sand, gravel, bark and sediment should not be stockpiled in the street or near a stormdrain. When sediment builds up in our creeks, drainage ditches, storm drains and pipes it can result in flooding. Please keep these materials in areas where they will not run off into the street and keep them coved when they are not being used.

For more information regarding stormwater pollution and best management practices visit, cityofarcata.org. To report a spill or improper discharge to an Arcata street, road, storm drain or waterway, immediately call the City of Arcata Stormwater Hotline at 707-822-8184 or the Northcoast Stormwater Coalition at 1-707-2STORM2.