WINOOSKI, VERMONT
STORMWATER PROGRAM

What is stormwater pollution?

Have you ever wondered where the oil goes that makes driving on roads and highways so dangerous after the first rainfall? Have you ever thought about what happens to the detergent that runs down the driveway when you wash your car? Or, have you ever been curious about where dog poop, leaves and lawn clippings that are left in the gutter go? The answer is that these things end up in the Winooski River and Lake Champlain. They can become a major source of pollution and damage.

Stormwater pollution includes materials and chemicals which are washed into the storm drain system by rainwater and other means from streets, neighborhoods, business locations, parking lots, construction sites, etc. This type of pollution is a problem because, unlike the sewer system, stormwater is untreated and flows directly to the Winooski River and ultimately Lake Champlain.

Stormwater pollution can have a significant impact on water quality in Winooski. Pollutants flowing through the storm drain system can harm fish, wildlife and wetland habitats, as well as damage recreation areas on Lake Champlain. During wet weather, large amounts of these pollutants are carried through the storm drain system into the Winooski River. These pollutants present an on-going hazard to water resources, wildlife and people.

What is Winooski doing to help control stormwater pollution?

Stormwater quality management programs are being developed all across Chittenden County by each community in conjunction with the State of Vermont. As part of the overall effort, we are providing information and education and encouraging residents to help improve water quality in the Lake Champlain valley.

This program also includes maintaining the storm drain system and catch basins in the City, seasonal street sweeping, inspecting storm drains to ensure adequate drainage, identifying and reducing illegal dumping.  We are investigating creation of a Stormwater Utility and adoption of a Stormwater Ordinance which prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into the storm drain system.

 
For many years Winooski has marked
 storm drains with educational warnings.

What is the storm drain system?

  • Streets
  • Gutters
  • Streams
  • Rivers
  • Drainage ditches

What kind of activities must be curtailed?

  • Disposal of leaves, dirt and other landscape debris into the storm drain system.
  • Release of pesticides, fungicides or herbicides banned by the EPA or the Vermont Department of Agriculture.
  • Disposal of hazardous wastes into trash containers (paint, antifreeze, motor oil, etc.).
  • Disposing of fuel, chemicals, animal waste, garbage and other materials that have potential negative impacts on water quality.

What can you do to help?
  • Do not blow or rake leaves into the street, gutter or storm drain.
  • Do not over-fertilize your lawn or garden and do not fertilize near ditches or streams.
  • Recycle your oil and oil filters.
  • Properly maintain your car by replacing leaky hoses.
  • Never clean brushes or rinse paint containers into a street, gutter, or storm drain.
  • Use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints.
  • Properly neutralize pool water before draining.

 

What's the bottom line?

If it's not rain water, it doesn't belong in the storm drain system.

What can I do if I currently do some of these activities?

Contact the City Winooski Engineer, Wastewater Superintendent or City Planner.  Informational brochures are available for many different activities listed above with easy-to-do alternatives.  Dispose of hazardous wastes through the Chittenden County Solid Waste District or at the Rover.  [LINK TO CSWD]

What can I do if I see someone dumping something into the gutter or catch basin? Who can I call if I see something in the gutter and I don't know what it is?

To report illegal dumping and discharges to the storm drain system, call the City's Hotline immediately at (802) 655-6410 Ext. 21!