Wednesday, July 16, 2014   |   Issue No. 2
Watershed Quarterly: 
       Properly Disposing of Leaves and Grass



 

Fall has arrived and many homeowners and businesses are busy with seasonal landscaping. It is important to remember during this time of year that lawn-mowing and leaf-raking debris should not be swept, blown or deposited in stormwater drains or in streams. Grass clippings and leaf litter should not be blown into the street, sidewalk, or ditch where it could be washed into the storm drains and streams. Debris can clog stormwater pipes and cause flooding. It can also harm aquatic life in the streams as it decays.

 

There are other options for handling grass and leave litter.

  • Mulch them and leave on the yard or add to a compost pile.
  • Bag them and set up out for pickup with your regular trash. See guidelines  
  • Take them to the City's Mulch Site at 2100 N. 145th E. Ave. Tulsa OK

Please manage lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly manner.

Protecting Tulsa's Water Quality


We all understand the importance of water. Water is one of the only things on earth that none of us can live without and it is important for us all to do our part to protect it.

 

During the past 12 years, the City and Tulsa County Blue Thumb volunteers have worked diligently to improve water quality. Tulsa has developed monitoring plans and personnel to deal with the daunting task of tracking down pollution in our streams and lakes.

 

One of the best ways to protect our water is through education. Most people want to have clean water and do what they can to protect it. Below are some ways citizens can protect and conserve our precious water resources.

  1. Maintain your yard with water quality in mind by reducing/eliminating use of lawn chemicals, composting yard waste, cleaning up after pets and not blowing leaves/grass into the street.
  2. Dispose of household and vehicle chemicals properly at the free Household Pollutant Collection Event
  3. Ensure that pools and hot tubs are drained correctly so they don't cause damage to nearby streams and aquatic life.
  4. Maintain cars so they do not leak fluids and clean up any spills if they occur.
  5. Dispose of trash properly. Trash thrown on the ground will usually be blown or washed into streams becoming eyesores and impacting wildlife.
  6. Call the City of Tulsa at (918) 596-2100 to report anyone disposing of pollutants incorrectly.
  7. Visit Trap The Grease Tulsa for more information on the proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease.

By following these simple steps we all can enjoy Tulsa's wonderful water resources. Visit Tulsa's Stormwater Quality online for more information on what you can do to help Save Our Streams.

Orangethroat Darter
                

As the City of Tulsa continues its stream monitoring program, one type of fish found in some of Tulsa's streams is especially a pleasant and colorful species to encounter. 

 

The Orangethroat Darter is a relatively common fish found in eastern Oklahoma. Reaching an approximate maximum size of 3 inches, the Orangethroat Darter prefers to stay in riffles of gravel-bottomed streams with moderate flow.

 

Arguably one of the most colorful species found in the City of Tulsa, when breeding the males will display deep blue and turquoise bands along the body with orange or reds between as well as a bright orange on the lower gill flaps or "throat." These fish spend the majority of their time on the stream bottom, using their large pectoral fins as hands to crawl across the gravel stream beds.

 

The Orangethroat Darter feeds primarily on macroinvertebrates including mayfly and midge larvae which live underneath rocks and gravel in riffle areas. Excessive sediment runoff into streams can fill these spaces where the Orangethroat's food lives, forcing the darters to migrate or perish.

 

Classified as moderately intolerant to pollution, Orangethroat Darters are always a pleasant species to find during collection in the City of Tulsa. The abundance of this species indicates relatively good health of a stream and is important to water quality.



Find Your Watershed
                 
A new map is available on the City of Tulsa's website which allows citizens to find what watershed they live in, as well as some information about the stream, what kinds of fish live in it, and how healthy it is. Visit www.cityoftulsa.org/sos.

Shape up Civilian. Your 
Stormwater is Calling!


We are hitting the airwaves to spread the message about solutions to stormwater pollution. A three-part commercial series featuring a sharp-tongued , red-eared,  slider turtle, Sgt. Red, and his sidekick, Mingo, the orangethroat darter has started airing on local channels as well as the City's YouTube Channel



Household Pollutant Collection Event

 

The City of Tulsa's fall household pollutant collection event will be Nov. 1-2 at the 15th Street entrance to Expo Square. The event is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days and accepts most household chemicals with the exception of latex paint, electronic devices, and large items such as refrigerators. Learn more online



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