Stormwater

Stormwater Safety

What is Stormwater?
/ˈstôrm ˌwôdər/

Rainwater or melted snow that flows over:

  • Streets
  • Lawns
  • Parking Lots
  • Roofs

Stormwater does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like:

      ☒ Trash            ☒ Chemicals            ☒ Oils            ☒ Dirt and Sediment

These pollutants harm our rivers, lakes, and streams.  Best Management Practices, or BMPs, protect our stormwater by filtering out pollutants or stopping them altogether at the source.

Why Does Stormwater Matter?

Two main reasons:

  • The volume and timing of runoff water, which affects flood controls and water supplies
  • The pollutants the water is carrying

Stormwater pollution in our local streams (Cat & Dog Creeks) is monitored regularly by volunteers with Oklahoma’s Blue Thumb program.

Reducing Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater pollution can be significantly reduced through the actions of individual citizens like you!  Here are a few simple steps:

  • Properly disposing of pet waste
  • Avoiding the dumping of harmful substances like motor oil or paint thinners into storm drains
  • Minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides
  • Compost leaves and grass clippings instead of leaving them in ditches, streets or storm drains where they can decompose and contaminate surface waters
  • Maintain vehicles to prevent leaks
  • Choose commercial car washes that filter wastewater
  • Install rain gardens or rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution

By adopting these practices, citizens play a crucial role in protecting local water quality and contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.

Recycling & Stormwater

Recycling plays a significant role in preventing stormwater pollution by addressing several key aspects of waste management.

  • Reducing Litter & Debris
    • Preventing Trash in Waterways
    • Protecting Aquatic Life
    • Reducing Storm Drain Blockages
    • Minimizing the Need for Cleaning of Stormwater Sewer Systems
  • Reducing Pollution from Manufacturing & Resource Extraction
    • Decreasing demand for virgin material
    • Saving energy and water
    • Minimizing waste and pollution during production
  • Utilizing Recycled Materials in Stormwater Management
    • Innovative Solutions – Absorbent media or sediment filtration
    • Sustainable Alternatives
  • Promoting Responsible Waste Management
    • Minimizing Waste
    • Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste
    • Public Awareness & Education

Recycling in Claremore – 724 W. Ramm Rd.

Claremore is host to a Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.) recycling center at 724 W. Ramm Road, which accepts clear, green, and brown glass bottles, corrugated cardboard, #1 and #2 plastic bottles, plastic bags, aluminum cans, steel cans, eye glasses, motor oil, cooking oil, phone books, newspaper, office paper, magazines, and electronic waste (e-waste).

Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste

Claremore hosts a Rogers County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event around April or May each year, where we collect tires, ammunition, medication, paint, chemicals, oil, solvents and scrap metal.  This event is held on a Saturday, and is free for all Rogers County residents.

Outside of the HHW event, household hazardous waste can be disposed of at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility, thanks to a cooperative agreement through the M.e.t.  To take advantage of this opportunity, please call (918) 584-0584 with a list of items you’d like to dispose of.  You will be sent a voucher to drop off your hazardous waste at 4502 S. Galveston Ave., Tulsa, OK on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  The first 45 pounds is free, with a minimal charge of $1.37/lb. for any overage.

Types & Quantities of Bacteria in Residential Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff from residential areas can carry bacteria originating from fecal matter of both humans and animals.

Most Common Bacteria Monitored: 

Found in the feces of warm-blooded animals, including humans and pets. High levels of fecal coliforms in stormwater runoff are often 20 to 40 times higher than the health standard for swimming, indicating a potential health hazard.

A specific type of fecal coliform commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in water. It is found in the feces of humans and animals.

Lactic acid bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. They can survive longer in the environment than coliform bacteria.

Bacterial Sources in Residential Stormwater:

  • Pet waste:Improper disposal of pet waste is a major source of bacteria and viruses in urban runoff.
  • Bird droppings and urban wildlife:Feces from birds (e.g., pigeons, geese) and other urban wildlife (e.g., squirrels, chipmunks) can contribute to bacterial contamination.
  • Sanitary sewer overflows and illicit connections:Malfunctioning or illicit connections between sanitary sewers and storm drains can release untreated sewage into stormwater, introducing high concentrations of bacteria.
  • Leaking septic systems: Septic tank failures or leaks can contaminate stormwater runoff.

Factors Affecting Bacterial Quantities:

High-density residential areas can have higher concentrations of microorganisms in stormwater runoff compared to low-density areas.

Fecal coliform levels are generally lower in winter compared to summer months. Bacteria levels can increase sharply during snowmelt events.

Studies have shown that street sweeping can reduce bacteria loads, with vacuum sweepers being more effective than mechanical sweepers.

Over-watering lawns can be a significant source of bacteria to streets and sidewalks.

Management Strategies to Reducing Bacteria:

Properly disposing of pet waste, managing yard waste, maintaining septic systems, and controlling urban wildlife populations.

Regular cleaning of streets and storm drains.

Implementing practices like infiltration basins, bioretention areas, and permeable pavement to capture and treat stormwater runoff.

It is important to note that while fecal coliforms and E. coli are used as indicator bacteria, their presence does not always directly correlate with the presence of pathogens. However, high levels of these indicator bacteria suggest a potential health risk, regardless of the presence of specific pathogens.

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) from Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

Here’s a quick overview of how fats, oils, and grease (FOG) lead to SSOs:

Fats, oils, and grease enters the sewer system, often from kitchens and food service establishments, improperly by being disposed of down drains. As FOG accumulates, it cools in the sewer pipes and solidifies.  It narrows the pipes and can significantly restrict the flow of wastewater.  Eventually, this can lead to complete blockages, which then backup and overflow into homes, businesses, streets, and waterways, resulting in SSOs.  SSOs can contaminate rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming aquatic life and preventing recreational activities.

For more information from the EPA on SSOs and FOG, click here.

Green Country Stormwater Alliance

Claremore has joined a coalition of Phase I & Phase II stormwater-permitted cities and counties in Northern Oklahoma, the Green Country Stormwater Alliance.  GCSA offers a variety of educational materials around stormwater concerns.  Please visit their website for more information.

 

 

Claremore’s Stormwater Plans & Permits

City of Claremore Stormwater Permits

Staff

Scott Vaughn 
Stormwater Manager
Engineering Dept.
724 W. Ramm Rd.
Claremore, OK 74017
stormwater@claremore.com