New Bedford II & III

Did you know that it is actually illegal to leave yard debris or grass clippings in the street because they cause clogged sewer lines, as well as algal blooms and fish kills in our Pond and in streams beyond our pond?
Did you know that anytime someone pours or sweeps anything into the street, it will end up in our Neighborhood Pond?
The Storm drains in our neighborhood are the gateway for water from our streets to enter our Pond. When it rains, grass clippings, leaves, and debris on the street and in the gutter wash into storm drains This material then decomposes in the Pond, harming water quality and causing the Neighborhood Association have to spend more money just to maintain the pond. We have already had to have the Fountain cleaned twice.

There a number of measures that the citizens  of Newbedford can take to assist in keeping Newbedford’s Pond clean and healthy.

• Don’t blow leaves or Grass clippings into the street; it is illegal.
• Grass clippings from sidewalks, driveways, and streets should be bagged and disposed of with yard waste.
• Clippings may be small, but they add up and can eventually clog the drains and cause flooding during heavy rains.
• Remove debris from storm drains– When the leaves fall, storm drains can become clogged with leaves, small sticks and other debris. To protect homes from the impact of overflowing drains, take time to check the drains near your home and remove leaves and debris from the top.
• Remove Pet Waste Although loveable and fuzzy, pet waste gets washed away with storm water and carries bacteria to near by water bodies. You can now improve our water and our environment by using Biobags, a disposable, compostable bag designed for collecting pet waste. Biobags! These bags breakdown and can be buried, composted in your yard away from potential rain and act as fertilizer for your lawn.
• Use Phosphorus-free Fertilizers If you must use fertilizers, use ones that are phosphorus-free. Phosphorus is often the limiting nutrient in aquatic plant and algae growth, meaning excess phosphorus washing into lakes and streams will cause algae blooms.  Sweep excess fertilizers away from streets and sidewalks when finished applying.
• Fix Car Leaks Right Away Those drips of motor oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid and other liquids from you car end up in our waterways so fix them sooner rather than later.
• Don't Dump Hazardous Household Materials down the storm drains the storm drains lead to the Neighborhood Pond Although the drain from your sinks and bathrooms go to water treatment facilities before entering lakes and rivers, these treatment facilities do not have a capabilities of removing every contaminant from the water. Thus, READ LABELS on your household products to see if they are harmful and how to properly dispose of them
• Encourage neighbors to do the same
• In addition, make your lawn service aware of these practices so that they can comply with City ordinances. 

http://www.biobagusa.com/biobag_dog.htm

To report a problem you may send an email to bod@newbedfordba.com or contact Collins & Associates directly or you may add a comment to the website on the Contact US Page

Report dumping or spilling of hazardous materials into a drainage system to the Fire Dept or phone 911