04 May NL 2022 (PDF) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Did you know the stormdrain on your street or in your backyard is directly connected to a neighborhood lake, pond, or wetland? Anything that goes down the stormdrain is not cleaned or treated before it enters our lakes and ponds. If litter is left on the street, sidewalk, or driveway, it will be washed into the stormdrain and ultimately the lake when it rains. Even seemingly harmless substances can have a dramatic effect on water quality, including grass clippings, leaves, and soaps. Help keep our local lakes, wetlands and ponds clean by sweeping all spilled substances or pollution off driveways, sidewalks, and streets. Never pour anything down the stormdrain—remember: only rain down the drain. Here's what you can do: • Adopt a Drain (https://adopt-a- drain.org/) near your home and help prevent these pollutants from washing into local water bodies • Properly dispose of household hazardous waste like medicines, paints, chemicals, etc. at the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste sites • Take your yard waste to a local Ramsey County collection site- don’t let it build up around drains or rake into waterways • Install a rain garden or rain barrel on your property • Limit herbicide and pesticide applications, especially before windy or rainy days • Sweep up excess salt after snow and ice storms • Keep vehicle(s) maintained to prevent auto fluids leaking onto streets 5 Crime Prevention Tips In the past few months, there has been a rise in catalytic converter thefts in Ramsey County. Preventing these types of thefts is challenging for several reasons. Catalytic converters are not serialized, so it’s difficult to trace them back to the original owner. The metals contained in catalytic converters are quite valuable, so sales to recycling centers remain highly profitable. Some auto garages offer installation of anti-theft devices that are welded to the exhaust system of the converter. This is an expensive yet effective option. However, the cost is far less than that of a theft. Consider etching a unique number or code on the catalytic converter body so that it can be clearly identified. If stolen, this number can be provided to Law Enforcement to potentially help identify the offender. Park hybrid vehicles in garages or well-lit areas. Hybrid vehicles are a target for catalytic converter thefts because the precious metals they contain are consumed slower than in standard combustion engines. This article's information was taken from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office monthly contract cities report. To report a theft, call 911. To contact the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, call 651-266- 7339 or email crimeprevention@co.ramsey.mn.us. Stormwater Drainage Infographic made by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency