ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is reminding residents that improper disposal of fallen leaves and landscaping debris can be a source of water pollution and flooding. EPD encourages everyone to collect leaves and use them around existing plants as mulch, add them to compost piles for future use, or place them in paper yard waste bags or reusable trash cans for curbside yard waste collection.
EPD is receiving numerous complaints regarding homeowners and contractors raking or blowing leaves and landscaping debris into streets and stormdrains. Alachua County’s Water Quality Code prohibits disposing of any materials into the stormwater collection system (which includes most roads).
Gus Olmos, EPD’s Water Resources Manager explains, “Improper disposal of lawn clippings and leaves clog stormwater collection systems, and leads to flooding and increased maintenance costs for taxpayers.” Olmos continues, “The stormdrains connect to our creeks, lakes, or stormwater treatment basins. As leaves and grass clippings decompose in the water, they can cause water pollution.”
Residents can report Water Quality Code violations by calling 352-264-6800.
For more information, visit the EPD website, or contact Alachua County Water Conservation Coordinator Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or sgreco@alachuacounty.us.