Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
In many communities across Liberty County, storm drains lead to separate storm sewer systems that are designed to carry only rainwater. These systems move stormwater directly into nearby creeks, rivers, lakes, and other waterways without treatment. This is very different from the less common combined sewer systems, where stormwater and sanitary waste are treated before being released. Unfortunately, storm drains often become unintended dumping grounds.
In my own subdivision, we frequently see blue doggy waste bags floating in the storm drains and even in the neighborhood lake. While picking up after pets is responsible, those bags should always be placed in a trash can, not tossed on the ground or into a drain. Storm drains are designed to carry water away from streets, parking lots, and sidewalks.
Any discharge other than rainwater into the drain is considered undesirable. These discharges are harmful because storm drain systems are not built to treat polluted water before it reaches the environment.
Examples of undesirable discharges include septic wastewater, carwash runoff, auto fluids such as used oil or radiator flush, laundry water, household chemicals, leaking waste containers, pool or hot tub water, and even yard debris. Garbage, grass clippings, and pet waste are also common pollutants that enter storm drains.
When people toss litter or pour liquids into a storm drain, they may not realize that it goes straight to our waterways. Storm drains are not connected to a treatment plant, so whatever goes in the drain flows directly into our local creeks and rivers.
When litter and debris enter storm drains, they must come out somewhere. Unfortunately, our local waterways become the final destination.
Cigarette butts, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, fast-food packaging, and other litter tossed on sidewalks and streets often travel through storm drains into waterways. All of these items contribute to a major environmental issue known as nonpoint source pollution.
Nonpoint source pollution, often called NPS pollution, is one of the biggest threats to water quality. Unlike pollution from a single identifiable source, nonpoint pollution comes from many sources, such as homes, neighborhoods, roads, businesses, and farms. It is especially common in more populated areas.
NPS pollution happens when rainfall or irrigation water moves across the land. As it flows over streets, yards, and parking lots, the runoff picks up natural and human-made pollutants along the way.
Just this past weekend, Liberty County experienced heavy rain and strong winds that pushed litter across roads and neighborhoods. That same rain eventually carried debris and pollutants into nearby waterways.
The runoff may eventually reach creeks, lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even underground drinking water supplies. Because of this process, it is often referred to as stormwater pollution. Even a light rainstorm can wash pollutants from our streets directly into the water systems that support wildlife and provide recreation for our communities.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems in the United States. It harms drinking water supplies, damages wildlife habitats, and negatively affects fisheries that many communities depend on for food and recreation.
“As our communities continue to grow, the impact of stormwater pollution can grow with it,” said a local volunteer with Keep Liberty Beautiful.
“But the good news is that every person can make small changes that protect our waterways.”
Fortunately, there are many ways residents can make a positive difference. One of the easiest ways is to volunteer with Keep Liberty Beautiful.
Community members can join us on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the KLB office for volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers can sign up through the Keep Liberty Beautiful Facebook page.
The Greatest American Cleanup is also underway across Liberty County.
Each city and the county communities will host cleanup events to help remove litter before it reaches our waterways.
The City of Midway will kick things off on March 28 at Midway City Hall in conjunction with their first Easter Egg Hunt.
Volunteers can register for this and other cleanup events by visiting www. keeplibertybeautiful.org.
Keep Liberty Beautiful provides all of the cleanup supplies, including garbage bags, safety vests, work gloves, and litter reachers.
Water is also provided for volunteers, and all registered participants receive an official Keep Liberty Beautiful T-shirt.
Another great opportunity to learn more about protecting our environment is the Liberty County Earth Day Celebration, which will take place on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bryant Commons.
This family-friendly event will feature environmental exhibits, activities, and information about how residents can help protect Liberty County’s natural resources.
For more information about Keep Liberty Beautiful and upcoming volunteer opportunities, call (912) 880-4888 or email klcb@libertycountyga. gov. Together, we can protect our waterways and keep Liberty County clean for future generations. Remember, storm drains are not trash cans, and every small action helps keep our community Clean, Green, and Beautiful.