Stormwater

Illegal Dumping - Stormwater Information

We are receiving many reports of illegal dumping into stormwater ponds happening all around the City.

Although grass or yard waste can seem natural and harmless, excess grass clippings and yard waste does pose a threat to the health of our waters. Once they are in the water they begin to decay and then release nutrients that contribute to the green stuff or algae (toxic algae blooms) you see on the surface of the water. An excess of algae will use up the oxygen in the water, which in turn suffocates any aquatic species living in the water. This can also be very toxic to your pets.

Refrain from dumping leaves and grass clippings, etc., into any Stormwater Pond near your home. Please make sure your lawn care services are also aware of this law. The City will incur costs to clean up any illegal dumping and it could potentially raise your stormwater fees and can result in a citation for illegal dumping.

City Code/Summary: 10-93-12. – Illicit Discharge.

No person shall throw, deposit, place, leave, maintain, or keep nor permit to be thrown, placed, left, maintained or kept, any refuse, rubbish, garbage, leaves, grass or any other discarded or abandoned objects, articles, accumulations, or pollutants, in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, storm drain, inlet, catch basin conduit or drainage structure, business place, or upon any public or private plot of land in the City, so that the same might enter a public water, except in containers, recycling bags, or other lawfully established waste disposal facility.

If you see anyone violating this City Code, please contact the Public Works Department at 763-233-5200 to report them.

Thank you for your cooperation. Keeping grass and yard waste out of the streets and stormwater ponds is an important act of protection for our waters.