Redland Shire Council in Queensland is asking residents, business operators and developers to consider how they can help prevent contaminants and pollutants entering stormwater drains, and eventually its waterways. Mayor Don Seccombe said while rainfall is a natural and harmless occurrence, the pollution that it gathers from roads, parking lots, buildings and other urban structures is not.
“Many people may not realise it is not possible to treat stormwater and its various contaminants before they reach our waterways and Moreton Bay,” Mayor Seccombe said. “We can all take steps to reduce water pollution, however, through responsible, efficient urban design, public works, pollution prevention and various practices in the home.”
The Mayor said that people are helping to reduce contaminants by:
- blocking drains, or building structures to keep pollutants from entering drains
- recycling used oil and solvents
- cleaning up any chemical spills before they reach the drain or ground
- storing chemicals in a safe place or in a spill container
- using dry clean up methods instead of hosing down areas
- placing paper, bottles, cigarette butts and plastic bags in the correct bin
- disposing of unwanted chemicals safely.
The Mayor said excess sediments and nutrients can be kept out of the Shire’s waterways by keeping sand, silt, mud and soil away from places where it may enter the stormwater system, such as covering piles exposed to wind or rain and washing the car and waste bins on the lawn, rather than the street or driveway using a biodegradable detergent.
The Mayor said it was not advisable to use chemicals, fertilisers and pesticide when heavy rain was forecast. He said Redland Shire Council preferred to educate the public about the dangers associated with pollutants and contaminants, rather than impose fines.
