Clogged Drains and Flooding

Aug 11th, 2003

Mayor Mike Dow Comments

I want to bring to your attention today, a problem that many people don’t know exists. That-- is they don't know it's a "problem". It’s something that is a fairly common practice throughout the city, but it is illegal. Today, I am asking for your help to make everyone aware of the problem and to do their part to correct it.

The problem is sweeping, dumping, pushing, raking or blowing leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste into drains, ditches, gutters and streets-and what that does to our drainage system. On any given day, you will see people doing this as they cut their grass and clean debris from sidewalks and driveways. Again-this is illegal and it is very harmful to our drainage system, which as you know is working at maximum capacity now.

Lawns that are typically edged around sidewalks, driveways, and roads can result in grass clippings being spread outside the lawn area. If these clippings are swept or blown into the road, driveway or storm drain, they can cause major damage to the drainage system when it rains. Grass clippings and other lawn wastes clog drainage systems. They reduce the capacity of the storm drainage systems and will eventually result in localized flooding and cause houses to flood. When that happens, the city must find and remove remote clogs in drainage systems and ditches. Because that is so expensive and time consuming our city ordinance prohibits sweeping or pushing yard wastes into our streets where they will be washed into the city storm drains.

If you have leaves, pine straw, grass clippings etc., you are required to bag or box them and put them on your curb for pick-up. The City picks up trash every other week.

Besides yard wastes, it is also illegal and extremely harmful to put any chemicals into storm drains. That includes paint, paint thinners or cleaners, oil, antifreeze etc. To dispose of all chemicals properly, you should either take it to a Haz Mat collection day sponsored by Keep Mobile Beautiful, or follow some easy directions, that are listed in this brochure. (HOLD UP)
Our Recycling Center takes used motor oil. If you have Latex paint, open the lid and let it dry. To speed the process you can add absorb-all kitty litter. After it is completely dry, replace the lid and put it out for garbage or trash to pick up. For Oil paint, you need a cardboard box, line it with a large plastic gag, fill with shredded or crumpled paper and pour the paint over it. Let it dry and then put it in the garbage or trash. There are more guidelines in the brochure for liquid and dry chemicals, and some safety precautions.

As you know, there is a lot of concern now about mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases. Dr. Bert Eichold has written a letter asking the city to enforce any and all ordinances that would prevent grass clippings, leaves etc., from being blown into streets. He points out that these cause water NOT to drain properly creating breeding spots. Dr. Eichold points out the more standing water the greater the mosquito problems. And that's something we don't need.

I'm asking everyone to please be conscientious and dispose of your waste properly to prevent clogged drains that lead to flooding; and to protect you and your family against harmful chemicals.

Enforcement of our trash and litter ordinances are difficult. Our inspectors must witness someone pushing debris into the gutters and drains before they can write a ticket. Another option is for a neighbor to swear out a warrant against someone they see sweeping, blowing or raking debris into drains and gutters. We do the best we can to enforce the law. The problem however is not "enforcement" it is "awareness". And that’s why I’m speaking to you today. I’m asking you to dispose of your waste properly and remind your neighbors to do the same. If you see someone violating our laws, you can call our Action Center at 208-7999 to report them. Citations carry a $212.00 dollar price that includes $136.00 for court costs.

Please tell your family, friends and neighbors. We want to keep Mobile a beautiful and safe place to live and play. But, we need your help to do it.