“Storm drains in Florida aren’t connected to sanitary sewer facilities or treatment plants, so whatever goes into them goes straight to the nearest creek or pond – and eventually to Tampa Bay or the Gulf of Mexico,” says Melanie Weed, environmental program coordinator. “Pinellas County prohibits dumping any waste into storm drains and may levy fines of up to $10,000 per violation.”
All Florida counties have similar regulations because yard waste has high levels of nutrients which fuel the growth of algae that clouds the water and absorbs oxygen needed by fish and other wildlife. Yard waste can also carry pesticides into aquatic environments.
Along with ecological damage, yard waste in storm drains can clog them, potentially causing a flood, and can even increase mosquito populations. “A study at the University of California shows that the number of mosquito eggs more than tripled after nutrients were added to a pond,” Weed said.
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