Rainwater or melted snow that flows over:
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.
Two main reasons:
Stormwater pollution in our local streams (Cat & Dog Creeks) is monitored regularly by volunteers with Oklahoma’s Blue Thumb program.
Stormwater pollution can be significantly reduced through the actions of individual citizens like you! Here are a few simple steps:
By adopting these practices, citizens play a crucial role in protecting local water quality and contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.
Recycling plays a significant role in preventing stormwater pollution by addressing several key aspects of waste management.
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).
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.
Stormwater runoff from residential areas can carry bacteria originating from fecal matter of both humans and animals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To provide feedback on this document, please email stormwater@claremore.com.
City of Claremore Stormwater Permits
Scott Vaughn
Stormwater Manager
Engineering Dept.
724 W. Ramm Rd.
Claremore, OK 74017
stormwater@claremore.com