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Information for Homeowners
Use Natural Systems for Fertilizer and Soil Test Before You Apply Additional Fertilizers
“Over-fertilization is a common problem, and the excess can leach into ground water or contaminate rivers or lakes. Nutrients from fertilizer cause excess weed growth, which depletes the oxygen supply for fish and aquatic insects and makes the water unusable for boating and swimming. Leave lawn clippings on your lawn so that nutrients in the clippings are recycled and less yard waste goes to disposal. Compost yard trimmings and use to naturally fertilize the lawn. Avoid using fertilizers near surface waters. Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before or during rain due to the strong likelihood of runoff. Use slow release fertilizers on areas where the potential for water contamination is high. Dispose of excess pesticides at hazardous waste collection centers.”3 Inspect and Maintain Your Septic System “Periodic removal of solids in septic tanks will ensure long-term and cost-effective service. Improper maintenance may cause a sewage backup into the home or sewage discharge into the yard. Septic systems should be inspected every three years. Septage should be removed from all tanks and tank compartments when: the top of the sludge layer is less than 12 inches below the bottom of the outlet baffle, or the bottom of the scum layer is less than three inches above the bottom of the outlet baffle. To maintain a septic system, you should know what it is, where it is, how it works, and when it should be serviced. If you have any questions or problems, call your local health department. Their personnel will advise and help you in any way they can.”3 Clean Up Pet Waste “Clean up after your pets. Pet waste contains nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate surface water. Scoop up waste and flush it down the toilet, seal the waste in a plastic bag and throw it in the garbage, bury small quantities in your yard where it can decompose slowly, or use a pet waste compost bin.”3 Download a brochure about managing pet waste here. References: 3. Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management. Top ten things we can do to protect our watersheds. Retrieved from: http://www.mywatersheds.org/publications/Other%20PEP_Habitat/TopTenThings-GLRC.pdf |