Wipes Clog Pipes: Do NOT Flush
Disposable wipes have been causing problems in communities around the country. Wipes -- used for changing diapers, personal hygiene, house-cleaning, and more -- cause major problems when flushed down toilets. Though many of these products are labeled "flushable" or "septic safe," they are anything but.
Because they don't break down the way toilet paper does, disposable wipes clog homeowner and municipal sewer pipes, put stress on community wastewater collection and treatment equipment, and cause cities to spend thousands on premature equipment repair and replacement.
Wipes snag on any imperfection in sewer pipes, catch passing debris, and create a "ball" that will grow to plug the pipe. Throw them in the garbage.
Watch this demonstration to see how toilet paper and disposable wipes differ when flushed down the toilet.
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As we acclimate ourselves to another season of winter weather, many will use rock salt to keep driveways and sidewalks free of ice and compacted snow. And while rock salt is great at keeping roadways clear, melt-water eventually carries it to lakes, rivers, and groundwater where it becomes a pollutant. See this list of environmental concerns compiled by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to learn more.
In an effort to reduce salt use, City of Rochester & Olmsted County snow plows pretreat roads with a salt brine. This process keeps roads clear and reduces the need for total salt by approximately 30%.
Homeowners can reduce salt's impact on the environment with these simple steps:
- Shovel or plow prior to applying salt
- Read product labels to see if there are temperature constraints; 15°F and below is too cold for salt to be an effective deicer
- Apply product only in areas needed, such as slopes and high traffic areas
- Sweep up excess salt; you will prevent it from being washed down the storm drain
You can find more information by visiting the Rochester Stormwater Snow and Ice Control webpage.
Christmas Trees
- Through March, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Olmsted County Yard Waste Compost Site any day of the week during daylight hours
- There is no disposal fee
- Remember to remove the stand, ornaments, and lights
- The Compost Site does not accept wreaths or artificial trees
Holiday Lights
Large Cardboard Boxes
- If Santa brought you that big screen TV, make sure to place its cardboard box (or any other large cardboard box) INSIDE your recycling cart
- The "grasping arm" of the recycling truck can not pick up large boxes that are placed next to your recycling cart
- Snow and rain can damage the box's recyclable fibers
- Placing large cardboard boxes inside your recycling cart also prevents any would-be burglars from knowing that your house recently upgraded to the newest technology
- Cardboard boxes can also be brought to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus for free
In late September 2010, rising floodwaters overtopped the Oronoco Dam and washed away the north embankment of the Country Road 18 Bridge. As a result of these damages, Lake Shady drained, and a muddy field was left in its place.
The Lake Shady Park River Restoration Project will transform the lakebed into a public park able to provide a variety of recreational opportunities. The following improvements are scheduled to be completed by summer 2017.
- The dam will be replaced by rock rapids to prevent sedimentation downstream
- Dredged sediment will be excavated and placed along Highway 52
- River riffles and pools will be restored to provide habitat for aquatic species
- The floodplain will be seeded
- Trees will be planted around the Zumbro River's numerous bends to prevent erosion
Photo taken by Terry Lee on 12/15/2016
Low river flows and frozen ground have allowed heavy machinery to remove the dam.
Photo taken by Terry Lee on 12/23/2016
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