LAW/FIRE
NATURAL RESOURCES
RECYCLING IN CARVER COUNTY
TREES ARE NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE The bark on a tree is a layer of protection from the outside world, and it varies in thickness depending on the species
Wondering where to recycle your old electronics, old mattresses, and appliances? The Carver County Environmental Center helps process millions of pounds of hard-to-dispose items safely and responsibly. Chanhassen residents can recycle batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste, and many other items for free or for a small fee. Visit recyclecarver.org for a complete list of recyclable materials and more information.
and age of each tree. When the bark is damaged, it opens the possibility for insects and diseases to enter. When you’re doing yard work this summer, be sure to use caution around your trees. WATER RESOURCES
Illicit discharge is any discharge into the public storm sewer system that is harmful to the health or welfare of people, the environment, wildlife or surface waters. Illicit discharges into public stormwater systems are prohibited by Federal and State law. The City of Chanhassen is committed to identifying and reducing illicit discharge into its storm sewer system in order to protect our abundant natural resources including lakes, streams, and wetlands. Public surface waters are sources of wildlife food and provide recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, which can all be negatively affected by stormwater pollutants. WHAT IS ILLICIT DISCHARGE?
LEAF LITTER & WATER QUALITY
Wherever leaves fall, they decompose and restock the soil with nutrients and organic matter. But when there is no soil to land on — such as on a street, driveway, or sidewalk — the leaves and all their decomposing bits wash down the street and into the city's storm drains. From there, they go directly into storm ponds, wetlands, lakes, and creeks, where the nutrients are food for unwanted algae growth. In addition to a major "ick" factor, algae is a problem because it uses up oxygen and blocks sunlight that fish and native plants need. Please don't "leaf" it up for someone else to dispose of! Here's what to do with your autumn leaves so that they nourish the soil and do not contribute to unwanted algae and poor water quality: » Rake the leaves that have accumulated along your curb, sidewalk, and alley. » Never trash or burn your leaves. » Put leaves in your backyard compost pile. » Use leaves to mulch your garden and lawn. » Drop leaves off at a compost site or consider curbside pick- up for more convenience. Residents may drop off yard waste on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., through November 15, excluding holidays. Payment can be made at Public Works during business hours by cash, check, or card. Residents must check in at the Public Works office and show proof of residency. Fees are $1/bag, $8/cubic yard.
Illicit discharges include items such as: » sediment coming from construction sites or other unstabilized (bare) ground
» yard waste (grass clippings/leaves) deposited into a storm drain » oil, grease, antifreeze, or paint that is dumped or flows into a storm drain, including wash water from cleaning with chemicals » sewage from broken sewer lines or overflow from private septic systems » pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers Illicit discharges could be intermittent (only occurring a few minutes per day or a few days per year), continuous (occurring almost daily), or transitory (only occurring once). If you notice illegal or suspicious discharge into a storm sewer inlet or curb ditch, or if you notice any discharge that appears unnatural, you should report the problem in one of the following ways: » Call the City’s Engineering Division at 952-227-1160. » Call 911 if you suspect the issue requires immediate attention or is an illegal activity. For more information, contact the City Water Resource’s Technician, Ryan Pinkalla, at rpinkalla@chanhassenmn.gov or at 952-227-1173
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CITY OF CHANHASSEN | FALL 2024
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