I believe that many of the City of Plattsburgh's stormwater drains empty into the nearby Saranac River and Lake Champlain.  I am concerned that many people are unaware of the pollution this problem creates and do not know how to help prevent any unwanted pollution from draining into our beautiful Saranac River and Lake Champlain.  I did some research to help everyone understand more about storm-water pollution and how with a few small steps taken everyday, we can work together to keep our waters clean.

Storm-water runoff can come from rain and/or snow melting.  It flows over the pavement and lawns, then the runoff is carried by pipes to our streams and lakes.  This runoff can become polluted along the way by littler, dirt, oil, chemicals and other debris that flow into water. Storm-water enters our lakes, rivers, and steams and is the same waters that are used for fishing, swimming and sometimes drinking.  Many of the chemicals such as fertilizers on our lawns and motor oil from our cars poison plants, animals and sometimes even humans when the enter our water supply!  Just think every cigarette butt thrown out of a drivers window can cause asphyxiation to wildlife such as turtles, birds and fish! That's horrible and very easily preventable by our actions.

Also, some residents of Plattsburgh and Plattsburgh State University Students own dogs.  While walking your dog it is best to clean up your pets waste for numerous reasons, one of which you may not know about.  Pet waste left on the side of the road mixes in with runoff and this becomes a health hazard.  The runoff enters Lake Champlain through the Saranac River and can cause unwanted bacteria to grow and  it's never nice stepping in a pile of pooh!  Even our lawn fertilizers contain nutrients that promote rapid development of algae in our lakes.  The algae overgrowth will eventually die, depleting the amount of oxygen in the water for other lake organisms and fish to use and thrive. Many of the things we do that cause storm-water pollution are preventable.

The small things we do can prevent the pollution of storm-water runoff.  We all can discontinue the use of lawn fertilizers or try finding eco-friendly ones to use.  Everyone should always maintain their vehicles and check for leaks in the antifreeze, brake, oil and any other fluids. These pollutants are quite dangerous for our waters.  Don't forget to tell your friends who smoke to stop littering the roadways because their cigarette butts can reach streams and lakes, chocking wildlife.  Always dispose or trash in it correct place and remember to “scoop your pet's poop!”

Thanks Everyone,

Ms. Environment