In an effort to maintain the integrity of the city's waterways, the Snellville Department of Public Works has issued a plea to all locals. They're calling upon residents to familiarize themselves with the rules surrounding illicit discharge, as detailed on the City of Snellville website. Illicit discharge involves the improper expulsion of pollutants into storm sewers or water bodies, which can stem from various sources like household chemicals and construction site runoff.
The problem isn't confined to your car's oil leak or that bottle of pesticide sitting in your garage, though these are among the offenders. The Department indicated that even seemingly benign actions like hosing down a car in the driveway can contribute to the issue. According to the City of Snellville News, “Improper disposal of auto and household chemicals” and “Laundry and car wash water” are listed as common types of illicit discharges. Watching where car wash or laundry water flows, specifically into what a drain or adjacent area, could mean the difference between a clean waterway and a contaminated one.
Residents should be on the lookout for unusual signs that could signal illicit discharges, such as unexpected pools of water running during dry periods or fish appearing in distress in local water bodies. These are red flags warranting immediate attention. Dead wildlife or odd coloring in the rivers aren't only suggestions of illicit discharge—the city advises these could be the very indicia of a greater problem passing unnoticed beneath citizens' noses.
To combat this environmental scourge, Public Works has clearly outlined steps that every citizen can take. For instance, doing something as simple as hosing off in your lawn after a dip in the pool rather than let chlorinated water make its way to the drain can make an impact. Snellville is actively urging the public to avoid dumping any material into storm drains and encourages car washing on grassy areas or at a professional car wash. In case you spot a violation, reports can swiftly be made through a dedicated "Report a Problem" section on the Snellville website or by contacting Public Works directly at 770-985-3527.
The city's outreach underlines the shared responsibility of its inhabitants to safeguard the natural resources. Everyone must play their part, and with clear guidelines and methods for reporting, Snellville's Public Works is steering its community towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
