WELCOME!

It is rain and melting snow that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns, and farmland. The flowing water carries salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leave and grass clippings, oil, litter, and any other pollutants into nearby waterways. Since these pollutants are washed off a wide area and cannot be traced to a single source, they are called nonpoint source or runoff pollutants. 

In developed areas, much of the land surface is covered by buildings and pavement which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Instead, storm sewers are used to carry the large amounts of runoff from these roofs and paved areas to nearby waterways. 

Storm sewers are simply pipes laid underground, often below streets, inlets or drains located along curbs and in parking area collect the runoff, which then flows to nearby streams or lakes. A common misconception is that water running off streets goes into a sewage treatment plan. It does not. In fact, stormwater usually receives no treatment. Water that runs off lawns, streets and parking lots flow directly into lakes and streams. 

Stormwater runoff carries pollutants that seriously harm our waters. 

Sediment: Soil particles washed off construction sites or farm fields into a lake or stream make the water cloudy or turbid. When sediment settles out of the water, it gradually fills in the stream or lake bed. 

Phosphorous: This nutrient, often attached to soil particles, fuels the growth of algae and aquatic weeds. These plants are important in providing habitat for fish and wildlife. However, rapid and excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants can degrade water quality and interfere with swimming, boating and fishing. 

Micro-organisms: Bacteria viruses and other disease causing organisms make waterways unsafe for swimming, wading and other types of recreation. Some of these organisms, notably Cryptosporidium, are difficult to remove through water treatment and may endanger people who depend on drinking water supplies drawn from lakes or streams. 

Toxic Chemicals: Motor oil, lead from gas and auto exhaust, zinc from roof drains and tires, and pesticides in stormwater runoff may kill aquatic organisms or impair their health, growth or ability to reproduce. 

Residents can all help! 
Each of us contributes to stormwater pollution and each of us can help stop it. Here are some ways you can help:

• Keep pesticides, oil, leaves and other pollutants off streets and out of storm drains.
• D vert roof water to lawns or gardens where it can safely soak in. 
• Clean up pet waste.
• Keep cars tuned up and repair leaks - or better yet, walk, bike or take the bus. 

The Department of Public Works would like to remind residents NOT to rake leaves or yard waste to the curb in the Spring. Yard waste and leaves will be collected as part of the Brush & Yard Waste Program. 

• Residents can place no more than three (3) cubic yards of Yard Waste at the curb for pick-up. The Yard Waste collection program is not a tree removal service.
• All Yard Waste must be placed in sturdy paper bags suitable for containing Yard Waste or in other suitable containers clearly marked “YARD WASTE,” excluding carts or plastic bags. The weight of each container must not exceed fifty (50) pounds. If Yard Waste is not placed in a suitable container, the branches shall be tied in a bundle weighing not more than fifty (50) pounds.
• NO GRASS CLIPPINGS will be collected. Residents are encouraged to use mulching mowers or compost their own grass clippings.
• YARD WASTE MIXED WITH TRASH WILL BE REJECTED.
• The following materials WILL NOT be collected: stumps; root systems or parts of roots attached to brush; brush mixed with garden debris; brush generated from site clearing activities; materials resulting from tree pruning or removal at an address other than the collection point; and tree branches greater than 4" in diameter and 4' in length.
• Yard Waste must be placed at the edge of the road, curb or alley (the same location as garbage pick-up) abutting your property only, not extending onto pavement.  

• Offer to friends and neighbors for firewood
• Put a “Free Wood” sign on the pile (maximum size of sign cannot exceed 4 square feet)
• Contract with a private tree contractor

• Hire a private tree contractor to grind the stump

What we put down our drains and toilets can negatively impact our environment and put our health at risk. Even items labeled flushable can clog pipes, tangle pumps and result in messy and costly sewer backups. By educating ourselves and each other, we can avoid expensive and dangerous mistakes while improving our sewer system practices. 

There are only two items that we should ever flush: human waste and toilet paper. If you cannot avoid purchasing and using items that have been labeled "flushable," throw them away after use rather than putting them into our sewer system. 

If you need to discard hazardous materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, etc., visit the clean sweep collection site. You can find more information at https://www.mmsd.com/what-you-can-do/home-haz-mat-collection. Dispose of unused medicines at the Glendale Police Department Med-Collection Dropbox. 

Learn about EnAct steps to greener living at www.enactwi.org.

Questions? Find us on the web at www.mmsd.com or call (414) 272-5100. 

Never Flush: 

• Baby Wipes, Disinfectant Wipes, Moist Wipes, Etc. 
• Vitamins, Medicines or Other Pharmaceuticals
• Toilet Bowl Scrub Pads
• Swiffer(tm) Products
• Napkins (Paper or Cloth)
• Paper Towels
• Dental Floss
• Fats, Oils and Greases
• Sanitary Napkins, Tampons, Condoms or Any Non-Organic Materials
• Wash Cloths, Towels, Rags, Underwear or Any Cloth Items
• Band-Aids or Dressings
• Plastic Bags or Wrappers
• Kitty Litter (Even Products Labeled as Flushable)
• Cat Feces, Bagged Dog Feces or Fish Gravel 

Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

By: Battalion Chief Dan Tyk, North Shore Fire/Rescue
 

As we draw near to the July 4^th festivities and back toward some semblance of normalcy, North Shore Fire/Rescue would like to take an opportunity to remind everyone that there are numerous options for viewing professional fireworks displays throughout the seven North Shore communities again this year. Likewise, we would like to stress how dangerous setting off fireworks privately can be. 
 
Each year on Independence Day the U.S. records more fires than any other day on the calendar. According to the NFPA, fireworks account for more than 17,000 fires every year, damaging more than 1,200 structures and 400 vehicles resulting in more than $32 million in property damage. In addition, these fires cause an average of 8 civilian deaths and 40 civilian injuries.    
 
Just as staggering, emergency rooms treat an estimated 8,700 people annually for fireworks related injuries. The NFPA says that the highest risk for fireworks related injuries was in the 15-24 year-old population. 
 
While the ordinances in each community vary, generally speaking, if a firework is designed to fly into the air or shoot off sparks that are more than a couple of inches in height, they are prohibited without a proper permit. Some communities allow sparklers and toy snakes but even these can be dangerous. 
 
The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause significant burns. If you do choose to partake in using fireworks, you are encouraged to ensure you have a proper metal container, partially filled with water for disposal. Likewise, adults need to keep a close eye on children and participants should be sure to have on tight fitting clothing. Baggy clothes or jackets significantly increase the likelihood of getting caught in a fire while using fireworks.  It is also essential that there be a means to extinguish any embers and a phone to dial for help in the event of an emergency. 
 
All of us at North Shore Fire/Rescue wish everyone an enjoyable and safe July 4^th celebration.  If you have more questions or would like to learn more about the safety and wellness programs offered by North Shore Fire/Rescue, please visit our website www.nsfire.org.

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