8615-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Watershed Update Layne Albert Litter and Waste

Litter washed into our lake can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life such as ducks, loons, fish, turtles, and birds. Common litter item include cigarette butts, fast food packaging and bottles/ Road salt and deicers have a harmful impact on local water bodies when they dissolve into stormwater and are carried into our lake. Reduce the use of salt and melting agents by applying them sparingly and storing them properly (covered securely in a closed container). Salt before the storm to prevent ice from forming. Remove snow Leaking vehicles can drip oils and gas onto the ground where they are picked up by runoff and carried in our lake. Soap from washing cars can also flow into our lake. Keep your vehicles functioning properly. Service them regularly. Dispose of fluids and batteries at designated drop off and recycling locations. Use drip basins and Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release pollutants that can flow into our lake and case significant environmental damage. Inspect your system year. Pump your tank as often as necessary (approximately three years for year round homes; every five years for seasonal Cleaning products for clothing, appliances, drains and other objects are considered hazardous waste and can be extremely toxic to the environment. If used or disposed of improperly, they can negatively affect our lake. Dispose of chemicals as specified

cans. Properly dispose of all trash (or recycle). Keep your trash bin lids closed securely. Sweep up litter and debris especially around storm drains.

Salt and Ice Removal

manually before applying any salt or sand. Apply sparingly. A 12-ounce cup of coffee (think small) of salt is enough salt to cover 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway. Salt doesn’t work to melt the snow if the pavement is colder than 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider a product like Safe Paw or Snow Joe (non-salt ice melters). cloths to avoid spilling when changing liquids and when doing so, use an impervious level surface far away from our lake. Take your car to a car wash versus doing it at your home. Even biodegradable soaps pollute our lake. Starting October 1, 2024, the use of coal tar sealants is prohibited by Maine State Law. homes). Avoid practices that might damage your septic tank and leach field such as driving over it with a vehicle or planting bushes and trees over the top of it. Do not use drain cleaners or other toxic chemical products. Do not put cooking oil or grease down the drain. on the product’s label. Store chemicals in their original containers. Visit the MDEP website for general disposal information. For washing clothes consider products like Dropps© which are tested to be environmentally as friendly as possible.

Car and Driveway Care

Septic Maintenance

Household Hazardous Waste

Maine DEP 24-hour Spill Hotlines

There is no such thing as a small spill. Report any oil or hazardous material spill to the MDEP 24-hour

Spill Hotline. For oil spills call 1-800-482-0777. For other hazardous material spills call 1-800-452-4664.

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