Athens city officials are asking residents to take a survey they say will help them develop a program to prevent pollution from stormwater.
The survey, which takes about ten minutes to complete, focuses on public awareness of stormwater pollution. Athens Deputy Service-Safety Director Ron Lucas said the survey would help the city gauge public understanding of stormwater runoff pollution, which he said is common in Athens.
“It’s something that affects our water all the time,” Lucas said.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff occurs during a rain or snowstorm when the ground cannot absorb any more water. The remaining water runs over the ground and into a drainage pipe or water source, picking up any loose dirt along the way.
Abbot Stevenson, an urban conservation technician at the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District, said the stormwater runoff often picks up more than just dirt.
“Depending on what material the water comes across, like in a parking lot, the water may come in contact with oil and other pollutants,” Stevenson said. “It can pick up oil, grease and heavy metals.”
In a previous Post report, Athens City Engineer Andy Stone said Athens was especially susceptible to runoff.
“Athens faces problems with stormwater runoff because of the steep hills in the area, especially on the south side of the city,” Stone said.
Lucas said Athens has taken steps to lessen pollution from stormwater in the past.
“We try to mitigate it through a number of ways, the street sweeper being one,” Lucas said, adding that river cleanups and green infrastructure also help to decrease pollution.
Athens residents can take action to prevent stormwater pollution, Stevenson said, adding that proper maintenance of cars to prevent leakage, disposing of trash and cleaning up after pets are just a few of the things people can do to prevent stormwater from polluting streams.
Stevenson said residents can prevent excess water runoff at their homes by building rain gardens that prevent water from running into the street or by collecting the rainwater for use on their gardens and lawns.
“One of the most important things you can do to protect our water resources is not to let anything flow down the storm drain that you wouldn’t swim in,” Stevenson said.
