The citizens of Murfreesboro and City management want clean storm water runoff and clean streams. As a citizen, resident or property owner, you are involved in reaching this goal.
Piles of grass clippings or leaves in front of several houses adds up to a blocked storm drain; a gallon of soapy water here and there adds up to a sudsy stream. An inch of runoff from your property added to an inch of runoff from an entire subdivision adds up to millions of gallons entering the storm drain system and local streams.
Remember, only rain down the drain. Hosing off driveways, sidewalks and rooftops, can add contaminants and excess soil to the stormwater. Try to send the runoff water through vegetation for a natural filtering effect.
Limit soil erosion on your property by adding compost or mulch to gardens. Bare areas should be covered with mulch until they can be seeded or vegetated.
Only apply fertilizers and pesticides when no rain is predicted for at least a few days. Make sure gardening services and pesticide applicators know the weather forecast and adhere to this rule.
Set sprinklers to minimize runoff. Using frequent, short cycles gives the water a chance to soak into the soil. Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted to reduce overspray. Water the minimum necessary for the plant.
Maintain your local culvert. Clear debris away from stormwater inlets and outlets.
When tackling major land disturbing activities (remodeling requiring excavation, major landscaping, etc.) hire a qualified professional. Many landscape architects, civil engineers and contractors are trained in erosion and sediment control.
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is an effective and economic way to conserve your outdoor water consumption. Rain barrels conserve water and they help protect our natural waterways.
Send us a picture of your decorated rain barrel and we will post it on our web site! Contact Josh Upham for more information.
Rain Gardens
Rain Garden Rain Water Management - a presentation by MTSU profession Dr. Warren Anderson on creating two rain gardens on MTSU campus. Before and after photos, soil types and advice for placement and creation of your own rain garden at home are available through this interesting and informative presentation.
Contact us if you see problems with washwater discharges or dumping to the storm drain system.
Recycling Used Oil
Used oil recycling locations in Rutherford County - to find the nearest Oil Collection Center, call toll free: 1-800-287-9013 or check the state's on-line database.
Proper Disposal of Used Oil
Put your used oil in a clean plastic container with a tight lid.
Don’t mix it with anything else. Paint, gasoline, solvents, antifreeze, etc. will make the oil unsuitable for recycling.
Take your used oil to a service station or other location that displays this sign. Used oil collection centers will collect up to 5 gallons a day from do-it-yourselfers.
After depositing your used oil, take your reusable container home to use it again.
Proper Disposal of Oil Filters
If you change your oil filter, drain the old one by punching an air hole in the top and draining for a minimum of 12 hours if it is hot or 24 hours if it is cold.
Dispose of the oil filter only after it has been properly drained.
Check to see if the Oil Collection Center nearest you also recycles used oil filters by calling the toll free number above.
Illegal Disposal Practices
Pouring used oil down a drain.
Pouring used oil into a storm sewer.
Tossing used oil on your driveway, street, or the ground.
Disposing of oil in lakes, streams, or wetlands.
Spreading oil to suppress dust or kill weeds.
Burning oil outdoors.
Mixing used oil with other substances.
Sewer Safe Trees
In an effort to reduce the amount of root intrusion into sanitary sewer lines, collection operators may recommend trees that are “sewer-safe.” The general recommendation is to choose small, slow-growing species, varieties or cultivars with less aggressive root systems and to replace them before they get too large for their planting area. There are no “sewer-safe” trees, but by using small, slower-growing trees, sewer lines should be safer from the intrusion of tree roots.
The Storm Water Advisory Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:45 AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. An agenda is available. The public is invited to attend all meetings.
Recycling Used Oil