By diverting the runoff from our roof, there will be a reduction in stormwater runoff into nearby waterways- such as the Wood River and Platter River. An average barrel costs between $50 and $120. You can make your own out of any used water tight container.
This form of Stormwater Best Management Practice needs a few things to keep in mind: the infiltration rate must be slow enough to lose pollutants but fast enough to avoid prolonged periods of ponded water. It’s usually thought that 24 hours draw down time is optimal.
Enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks. And please take time to carefully sweep firework launch and debris landing areas and properly dispose of the debris afterwards.
Perchlorate, a compound used as an oxidizing agent in fireworks (i.e., fuel to make the firework burn), persists in soil and water.
How persistent? Well, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial’s firework shows stopped in 2009. In a 2016 US Geological Survey high levels of perchlorate were still reported in the park – 38 micrograms in a groundwater sample and 54 micrograms/liter in a stream, both in excess of the EPA’s 15 micrograms per liter, and 274 times higher than samples taken outside the memorial park’s borders.
Swimmers are bobbing at the pools and lakes. Remember a few tips to stay safe and enjoy the water all summer.
– Always swim with a buddy. Don’t assume that lifeguards can see everything, they’re watching several people at once. Children should always be under active supervision.
– Explore cautiously and make sure you’re comfortable with the body of water you’re swimming in. Rivers and lakes can have undertows. Never dive into an unfamiliar area.
– Remember, more strength is needed to swim in a current.
If you get caught in a current, don’t panic or try to fight it. Float with it, or swim parallel to the shore.
Photo © Gbphotostock
Rain gardens are a great way to add an aesthetic element that serves a purpose besides being pleasant to look at. A rain garden has numerous advantages- bird/butterfly habitat, reduces mosquito breeding, conserves water, filters off pollutants, enhance sidewalk appeal etc…
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library hosted a SUN-SATIONAL STAR-STUDDED MORNING on Tuesday, June 11th for A Universe of Stories-Children’s Summer Reading Program. Participants enjoyed a skit by Western Nebraska Community College Theater and variety of activity booths.
Nebraska H2O’s Walter Walleye and Western Nebraska Pioneer Baseball ‘s Hiram mingled with the kids and families.
Stormwater runoff has a knack for being able to transport whatever it comes into contact with as it makes its way downstream. Sediment, debris, stones…all are susceptible to it’s force.
This form of pavement is a great idea for low-trafficked drives. The more vehicles on this material decreases the lifespan and efficiency. When installed correctly it has a great look and helps minimize icing issues.
Downspouts directed towards natural areas, such as yards or flowerbeds, allow the runoff to infiltrate and be used to its full advantage. This action also helps reduce the volume of runoff and amount of pollutants that enter the storm sewer system, which get sent directly to receiving lakes and streams.
It takes just as much effort to cut the grass and shoot it into your yard as it does to shoot it into the street. The difference is that it’s a GOOD THING to put it in your yard and a BAD THING to put it in the street. People notice these things.