COMPOSTING PROCESS

Composting Process

Heat generated from bacteria causes the compost pile to stay warm and active, no matter which season you’re in. Ideally, new material should be added to the composting system during turning and mixing to keep the pile the most active. Visit www.earth911.com to find more information on different composting methods including hot, cold, sheet, and trench composting. Also, to find out what items are good types of compost click here for lists of acceptable and unacceptable materials.

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STORMWATER RUNOFF

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff comes from precipitation events and when snow/ice melts onto impervious surfaces. An inch of rain on an acre of land is equivalent to 27,154 gallons of water with a weight of 113 tons. This water transports many pollutants, including but not limited to sediment, oil, grease, fertilizers, bacteria from pet waste, and litter/trash. Stormwater DOES NOT get treated prior to being flushed into waterways.

Infiltration Practices

INFILTRATION PRACTICES

Infiltration practices are designs that enhance water percolation through the soil and remove pollutants in the process. A ‘Rain Garden’ is a common residential design, and an aesthetically appealing project! As snow melts, it’s runoff accumulates in these depressed/trenched areas. Captured water generally leaves to the neighboring soils within 48 hours. Directing water from roof downspouts or paved areas enable the removal of pollutants prior to discharge into receiving waters. For more information visit the Water Environment and Reuse Foundation.

Downspout Redirection

Take full advantage of the rain showers this spring by redirecting your downspouts onto your yards. Make sure your downspouts deposit rainwater where it can be put to good use. The amount of rainwater that gets into the street will be greatly reduced and your gardens and yards will benefit greatly from it. Remember to try to direct rainwater at least 5 feet from house foundations to prevent potential leakage! For more information visit the Water Environment and Reuse Foundation.

EARTH DAY

Earth Day is April 22 (EVERY YEAR). It may only be one day a year, but implementing simple conservation practices year-round takes very little extra effort and time. The City of Kearney’s Recycling Center is located at 3007 E. 39th St. and is open 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. There are multiple drop-off locations around Kearney:

1919 15th Ave

South Side of Herbergers (Hilltop Mall)

University Heights on the Northwest corner of 17th Ave/35th St.

CLICK FOR MAP OF DROP OFF SITES South Railroad St./Ave M

Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention

Minimum Control Measure (MCM) #6 of the Stormwater Management Plan

The purpose of this MCM is to minimize the effect of the municipality’s efforts to the contribution of stormwater pollutants into receiving waters of the state. Operations have been identified that have the greatest likelihood to cause pollution to stormwater runoff. The municipal employees, the facilitators of those operations, are educated and trained in standard operation procedures for reducing pollutants from entering the storm sewer system. Actions that are performed are noted on the City of Kearney’s website, in the Smart Maps link, or by clicking here.

Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Minimum Control Measure (MCM) #5 of the Stormwater Management Plan

The purpose of this MCM is to ensure the quality of water leaving a previously completed construction site remains continuously treated prior to leaving the property. With the implementation of specifically required Stormwater Treatment Facilities (STFs) the quality of water will have the best chance of remaining clean prior to entering the receiving waters of the state (Platte and Wood Rivers).

Construction Stormwater Management

Minimum Control Measure (MCM) #4 of the Stormwater Management Plan

The purpose of this MCM is to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction activities that result in land disturbance. An Erosion and Sediment Control program is being followed and an ordinance has been enacted within the City Code. Design standards meeting the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit requirements are available on the City website. There are Erosion and Sediment Control best management practices (BMPs) for a construction site no matter what the size.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Minimum Control Measure (MCM) #3 of the Stormwater Management Plan

The purpose of this MCM is to minimize the effect of illicit discharges and illicit connections within the community. An IDDE program is followed and an ordinance has been enacted within the City Code. Dry weather inspections of storm sewer outfalls are regularly performed. A detailed storm sewer system is maintained to track flow of stormwater and identify affected areas from illicit discharges. Access Kearney on the City of Kearney’s website allows the public to acknowledge their concerns regarding all forms of stormwater pollution.

Public Involvement and Participation

Minimum Control Measure (MCM) #2 of the Stormwater Management Plan

The purpose of this MCM partly goes along with the first MCM, Public Education and Outreach. The idea is to use the informed public to get involved to the point of participating in activities that benefit the environment in any way imaginable. With this enthusiasm the public will be spreading the idea of stormwater pollution prevention via word of mouth among members of the community and beyond.