Water Quality Program
700 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Fax 704-336-4391
Environmental Notice
DID YOU KNOW that improperly disposing of pollutants into the
storm drainage system could be AGAINST THE LAW?
Fines can range as high as $25,000 per day.
Car Care
Grease
Household
Hazardous
Waste
Pet Waste
Sewage Discharge
Yard Waste
YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT:
1. Storm drains and storm drainage systems draining parking lots and streets, flow directly
to streams and are designed to carry only rainwater. Storm drains are separate from sanitary
sewers, which are designed to carry wastewater from sinks, toilets, etc. to facilities where they
can be treated.
2. The discharge of any pollutants into the storm drainage system, streams, lakes, or other
surface waters violates local laws as well as N.C. General Statute 143-215.1(a). Such violations
could result in local fines of up to $1,000 per day. Fines by the State could reach $25,000/day/
violation.
3. Improper discharges degrade the quality of the water in our streams and lakes, resulting in
damage to aquatic life and potential contamination of downstream swimming areas and drinking
water supplies.
Your actions have a direct impact on the surface waters of
Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
To report pollution, call: 704-336-5500
To report drainage problems, call: 704-336-RAIN
http://stormwater.charmeck.org
Water Quality Program
700 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Fax 704-336-4391
What You Must Do
Many automotive fluids such as, motor oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluids, de-greasers and solvents are hazardous wastes.
They are harmful to you and me and toxic to our environment. No one wants to swim in them. So, make sure to prevent them
from entering our storm water drainage system.
•
Drain motor oil in a reusable, re-sealable container like a milk jug.
•
Never mix used oil with other used automotive fluids.
•
Take used oil & filters to a recycling center. (Visit www.wipeoutwaste.com for a location near you.)
There are many ways to dispose of yard waste but dumping it down storm drains or in creeks is never an option.
•
Use a compost bin to turn yard waste into a practical gardening product (for more info visit www.wipeoutwaste.com)
•
Chop limbs into fire wood for the winter
•
Take yard waste to the curb for collection
•
Sweep up yard debris instead of washing it away
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household
hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous
ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.
Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm
sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash.
To find a recycling center near you, visit www.wipeoutwaste.com or call 704-336-5359.
Pet waste contributes to bacterial contamination of our rivers, lakes and streams.
• Check with your pet store for products that make picking up easy.
• Throw away pet waste in the garbage; never wash it into the gutter or storm drain.
• Carry extra bags in your car, so you are prepared when you travel with your pet.
• Get involved in a pet group and remind others to pick up after their pets.
Liquefied animal fats, greases and vegetable oils are often poured into storm drains, onto the ground or directly into surface
waters. You can help! Please do not dispose of cooking grease or other oils and greases down drains. Instead:
•
Freeze animal fats in a can and dispose of in a trash receptacle
•
Mix liquid vegetable fats with an absorbent material, such as cat litter or coffee grounds, and place in a lidded container and dispose of in a trash receptacle.
To reduce the negative impacts that sewage can have on the environment and prevent fines, take action to stop overflows
immediately. You should then contact this office for more information regarding State-mandated reporting requirements.
Additional Comments:
To Keep Our Water Clean.