The city of Belleville is reminding the public about the problem of emptying substances into open stormwater drains.
The drains lead to underground pipes which pass through the city, carrying stormwater, where it is eventually emptied into the Bay of Quinte and the Moira River.
The city has issued a statement emphasizing that when pollutants such as cooking oil or other chemicals are intentionally dumped down these drains, they are picked up in the stormwater and transferred to streams or groundwater.
Due to a recent event reported by members of the public, related to emptying substances into an open stormwater drain, the City of Belleville reminds residents of the importance of taking care of our stormwater system.
Stormwater drains or catch basins are the manholes and grates that are seen along roadsides. The drains lead to underground pipes which pass through the city, carrying stormwater, which eventually empties into the Bay of Quinte and the Moira River. Stormwater conveyance, including storm drains, catchbasins and pipes, help reduce localized flooding during rain events. In many parts of the city, stormwater is also managed through a system of treatment facilities, where the impacts or urbanization on our watershed are reduced through erosion control, water quality improvements and maintaining the natural hydrologic cycle. Taking care of these systems saves tax payer dollars and is a central way of protecting our drinking water.
When pollutants such as cooking oil or other chemicals are intentionally dumped down these drains, they are picked up in the stormwater and transferred to streams or groundwater. This degradation of water quality can result in a decline in plant and animal diversity, and may also affect drinking water supplies and recreational uses of water such as swimming.
Hazardous waste can be disposed of at 75 Wallbridge Crescent.
