FALL FOLIAGE FOULS STORMWATER RUNOFF
Reap the Benefits of Proper Leaf Disposal
The beautiful vivid colors of Fall leaves are one
of Western Pennsylvania’s most prized assets. As
beautiful as they are, leaves can become a nuisance.
During seasonal months, particularly in October and
November, folks struggle with the best way to dispose of
leaves on their property It may seem tempting to sweep
the leaves into the street, but this will create a long-term
problem for our ecosystem.
When leaves are swept onto the street, they will eventually
migrate into the storm sewers. Once in the storm sewers,
the leaf debris that carries fertilizers and pesticides, along
with other yard waste, will outfall into lakes and streams
without any water quality treatment. This pollution
promotes the growth of algae blooms that degrade water
quality, harming lake and river ecosystems and aquatic
life. Leaves can also clog culverts, storm drains and pipes,
increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
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Mulching and Composting
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To avoid the harmful effects on our waterways from
disposing of leaves, the following alternatives are safe and
responsible ways to remove leaves.
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Leaves are an inexpensive and beneficial mulch that
can be used around trees, shrubs, and/or in gardens.
When leaves decompose, nutrients are added to the
soil acting as a natural mulching additive. Leaves also
act as a protectant in cold temperature fluctuations.
Composting materials should feel moist but not overly
soggy and they should also feel warm to the touch,
except in the cold winter months.
A good compost mix will consist of a 3 to 1 ratio of
leaves to grasses.
To prevent unpleasant odors that can occur when
materials decompose without oxygen, compost should
be turned regularly to ensure that air is reaching the
center of the pile.
Reminder: No Leaf Burning Please!
Offsite Disposal
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There are several composting facilities in
Southwestern Pennsylvania that will accept leaf waste
and yard debris. Learn more: https://recyclesearch.
com/profile/padep-facility-directory
Many municipalities hold scheduled leaf pick up days.
Check your local municipality’s website or contact the
office by telephone to see if this program is offered
within your community.
A private refuse hauler may haul away your leaves
for a fee. You can search your local newspaper or ask
for possible suggestions from your municipality for
vendors who may perform this service.
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Leaf burning has often been viewed as a fall tradition,
but it is also illegal under the federal Clean Air Act and
the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act.
In addition to leaf burning being illegal, it is damaging
to air quality and studies show a link between high
levels of particulate pollution released from smoke, to
chronic coughs and respiratory illnesses. This can be
very troubling for those who suffer from asthma.
Learn more at
www.GatewayEngineers.com
Source information for this article
provided with permission by the EPA
CANON-MAC
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WINTER 2018
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