Soil erosion and sediment loss from construction sites has been documented as a major source of water pollution. Bare soil exposed to a rain event can become quickly eroded, leading to sediment that moves into adjacent storm sewers or lakes and streams. 

Soil erosion and sedimentation involves three steps:

• soil particle detachment
• transportation
• deposition

Freezing temperatures are ending the growing season and its time to do yard and garden cleanup to help reduce overwintering diseases and insects; and to reduce the amount of plant debris washed into streams, lakes, and ponds where they contribute to water pollution.

Why Make Use of Tree Leaves? Fallen tree leaves, and grass clippings, are an important source of organic matter.…

Anything dumped or dropped on the ground or in the gutter can end up in the nearest body of water. Stormwater pollution results from materials and chemicals washed into the storm drains from streets, gutters, neighborhoods, industrial sites, parking lots and construction sites. This type of pollution is significant because, unlike the water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home, stormwater…

In Norfolk, there are approximately1,794 inlets, which are the drains along the streets. It's important to know what's allowed in a storm drain. 

Anything that is not permitted to go into a separate storm sewer is known as an illicit discharge. They are illicit because these sewers are not designed to receive and treat contaminated water before releasing it back to the environment. Examples…

Rainwater either seeps into the ground or “runs off” to lower areas, flowing into streams, lakes and other bodies of water. On its way, runoff water can pick up and carry many substances that pollute water. Some of these substances — pesticides, fertilizers, oil and soap suds — can be harmful even in small quantities. Other materials — such as sediment from construction or bare soil, runoff from…

Help us keep the streets in good shape. Blowing your grass into the street leads to blocked inlets and poor street drainage. Water on the street like pictured here, works it’s way under the pavement causing the pavement to breakup.

When mowing your yard:

1. Make the first…