Protecting Your Investment: Reduce Pollution

Careful use of yard and household chemicals can help keep Crooked Creek clean. Chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides can have an adverse effect on aquatic plants and animals. Chemicals deposited on hard surfaces or dumped into storm drains within the watershed eventually reach Crooked Creek. Tips Follow the directions on the label! More is not better (and can damage Crooked Creek). Do not fertilize or apply insecticides or herbicides near the creek bank. Ammonia-based fertilizers and other yard chemicals can be toxic to fish. Fertilizer also causes excess growth of algae and other aquatic plants that deplete the oxygen necessary to support fish in Crooked Creek and Lake Sullivan. Limit use of de-icing salt in the winter. Avoid spillage and application on hard surfaces where chemicals are washed off readily. Do not dump excess fertilizer, lawn care products, used motor oil, or anything else into storm drains, ditches, or swales. Chemicals deposited in these drains flow into the creek, contaminating water and sediments. Take waste chemicals to appropriate hazardous waste facilities. Recycle used motor oil. Wash your car at a commercial car wash. If you must wash it at home, use small amounts of low-phosphorus detergent. Wash the suds into the grass, not down the driveway. Maintain septic systems properly. Regular inspections and licensed pumping should be done every 2 or 3 years. Go To Section:    Controlling erosion    Limiting dumping and debris    Planting vegetation/creating habitat    Repairing/restoring the streambank Or Go To:    Home Page