DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 09/17/2021 11:06 AM CDT

September 2021                                                                                                                                      View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County Encourages Proper Leaf Management this Fall

Best Practices for Leaf Removal

[Video] Best Practices for Leaf Removal

DuPage County Stormwater Management (SWM) is encouraging DuPage County residents to dispose of leaves properly this fall. When leaves blow into storm sewers and waterways, they can become a source of water pollution. In just six to eight weeks, leaves can account for more than half of annual phosphorous in stormwater runoff, which may cause algal blooms and be detrimental to fish and aquatic insects. Leaves can also build up along streets and block storm drains, which can lead to localized flooding. Residents can avoid these issues by composting, bagging and mulching leaves.

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SCARCE Announces Pumpkin Smash

Pumpkin Smash 2021

To reduce the number of pumpkins going to landfills after Halloween, SCARCE is hosting their annual Pumpkin Smash in several DuPage County locations on November 6. The collected pumpkins are composted, which returns nutrients and water to soil, leading to healthier groundwater and streams. SCARCE is also seeking participation from towns interesting in hosting an event.

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DRSCW Offering Deicing Webinars

This fall, the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) is hosting several deicing webinars that are geared toward both public agencies and local organizations. The purpose of these virtual workshops is to teach attendees how to reduce the presence of chloride in waterways, while keeping roads, sidewalks and parking lots safe.

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Around Town

DuPage County residents are needed to lead small-scale storm drain medallion projects in communities. Storm drain medallions are markers that are adhered to the curb of a storm drain. They educate readers not to dump waste of any kind down storm drains as they connect directly to local rivers, streams and lakes. Sponsored by SWM, the program is coordinate by SCARCE to encourage citizen advocacy of local waterways.

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Storm Drain Medallions

Group installs drain medallions.

Upcoming Events

Parking Lots & Sidewalks Deicing Virtual Workshop

September 28 & October 7, 2021, 8:00 A.M. - Noon

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is hosting virtual winter deicing workshops for private contractors. The purpose of the workshops is to educate attendees on alternatives to traditional salting practices and methods that may reduce the presence of chloride in waterways, while keeping parking lots and sidewalks safe. Registration is $45, and attendance is only necessary at one of the two workshops. 

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Public Roads Deicing Virtual Workshop

September 30, October 5 & October 12, 2021, 8:00 A.M. - Noon

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is hosting virtual winter deicing workshops for public agencies. The purpose of the workshops is to educate attendees on alternatives to traditional salting practices and methods that may reduce the presence of chloride in waterways, while keeping roads safe. Registration is $45, and attendance is only necessary at one of the three workshops.

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Pumpkin Smash 2021: Green Your Halloween

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 9:00 A.M. - Noon

Don't trash it, smash it! Sponsored by SWM and coordinated by SCARCE, the Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort to divert pumpkins from landfills on the Saturday after Halloween. SCARCE provides locations for residents to drop off jack-o-lanterns to be composted. A list of DuPage County drop off locations will be available soon. To date, the Pumpkin Smash has diverted more than 538 tons of pumpkins from landfills.

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