Ramsey Resident - 2017 - March/April

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Stormwater Ponds Stormwater phosphorous-free fertilizer,which is a state law ponds are construct- with few exceptions,and follow label directions. ed ponds that are _ __mss _ Sweep granules off of driveways,sidewalks, and designed specifically -_ _ streets back into the yard. Remember,what the to capture and treat lawn doesn't absorb will be washed into the storm stormwater runoff sewer system and ultimately into stormwater before it enters ponds. rivers,lakes,and Keep grass clippings and leaves off of roads. As wetlands. Stormwa- grass and leaves decompose,they produce phos- ter ponds can hold runoff for up to several weeks, allowing phorous,which will be carried by runoff to catch pollutants and sediment to settle to the bottom,before basins and discharged into stormwater ponds. the water either infiltrates into the ground or is discharged If you live adjacent to a stormwater pond or other to natural water bodies. Routine activities like mowing, bodies of water,consider establishing a buffer of fertilizing and irrigation can have a significant impact on native plants along the edge. Buffer strips help our stormwater ponds,especially when considering the cu- slow down runoffand strip excess nutrients and mulative effect of numerous properties engaging in similar pollutants from stormwater before entering the practices. pond. As the City continues to grow,more impervious sur- . Pick up pet waste and properly dispose of it. faces,like roads,driveways,and rooftops, replace natural Adjust downspouts so they discharge runoff into vegetation and undisturbed land. As a result,there is more the yard rather than onto sidewalks or driveways; runoff generated and less infiltration into the ground.The consider installing a rain garden`downstream' rainwater collects sediment and pollutants from impervi- from the downspout to help promote infiltration ous surfaces before draining into the metal grates along the of runoffbefore it enters the storm sewer system. edge of streets,known as catch basins,which direct runoff Better yet,install rain barrels to capture runoff to area stormwater ponds. from downspouts and store it for irrigation during Pollutants include grass clippings,leaves,excess drier periods. fertilizer and other chemicals,which negatively impact If you have questions or concerns about a stormwater stormwater ponds. Excess nutrients,primarily nitrogen pond in your neighborhood,please call 763-433-9820. and phosphorous,found in fertilizers,grass clippings,and leaves,encourage growth of algae and algal blooms. These are unattractive and emit a foul odor. More importantly, certain algae,such as blue-green algae(cyanobacteria), ACD Tree and Shrub Sale present a serious health threat to both humans and pets if ingested. The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) is now Stormwater ponds are located accepting preorders for their annual tree and shrub sale. throughout the City. Stormwater en- The ACD offers a wide variety of native plants; the trees ters these ponds through a network of and shrubs are sold in bare root seedlings or transplants underground pipes,known as a storm and range from 8 inches to 24 inches in height. They sewer system. So,in a sense,routine may be purchased in bundles of ten for$17,or twen- yard maintenance on any property can ty-five for$30,not including tax. Native prairie seed have a direct impact on downstream and tree aides are also available. stormwater ponds. But,there are some simple actions If interested,visit www.AnokaSWCD.org for more we can all take to help reduce algae and potential odors details and plant varieties. Orders will be accepted until including: mid-April or until inventory is gone (if sooner). Orders Prior to fertilizing,have your soils tested to de- must be picked up the morning of April 29. If you have termine what,if any,nutrients are deficient. Use questions,please contact ACD Staff at 763-434-2030. 14 Ramsey Resident * March/April 2017 W"'At