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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUBI 2009 JULYHelp Protect Rivers and Streams CITY OF COLLEGE STATION list of helpful tips that can protect our riv- ers and streams: Lawn Care Excess fertilizers, pesticides, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients that feed bacteria. DO NOT place yard clippings in the storm drains. They should be composted or sent to the landfill. Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemi- cals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control meth- ods whenever possible. Auto Care Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Automotive fluids in storm drains have the same result as dumping the materials directly into a water-body. Inside College Station From the City of College Station • Home of Texas A&M University • College Station, Texas Cities and counties are required by the State of Texas to protect rivers and streams from pollution. Brazos Clean Water is a program created by the Brazos Basin Stormwater Education Committee made up of representatives from Brazos County, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Texas A&M University, and Texas Department of Transportation. The purpose of this com- mittee is to facilitate collaboration among local MS4s and maximize effectiveness of local stormwater education efforts in the Brazos region. Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the major causes of these problems and can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pol- lutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, stream, or river. Any- thing that enters a storm sewer system is discharged into the water-bodies we use for swimming and fishing. Public awareness and participation in this environmental issue is essential. Below is a It is preferable to use a car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. Pet Waste Pet waste can be a major source of bac- teria and excess nutrients in local waters. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bac- teria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water-bod- ies. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it prop- erly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Residential Lanscaping Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t al- low water to soak into the ground. Instead these surfaces rely on storm drains to di- vert unwanted water. Permeable pave- ment systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through, decreasing stormwater runoff. Specially designed areas planted with na- tive plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains. Filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams that trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets. This message brought to you by the City of College Station Public Works Department. For more information regarding stormwater in the area, go to: www.brazoscleanwater.org July 2009 park, located in the Woodland Hills Estates Subdivision, the first neighborhood park in zone 9. Development of this park was completed in early 2009. It includes a shaded tot playground, shelter, picnic tables, swing set, lighting, bridge, trees, signage, irrigation and concrete sidewalks. University Park, located off Autumn Circle, is a heavily wooded park with some open areas. This park was developed in the summer of 2008 and completed in early 2009. The park contains normal neighborhood park amenities, such as a sidewalk jogging/ walking loop, drinking fountains, lighting, play equipment and a shelter. Four of the ten acres of this park is a designated fenced canine station built specifically for dogs to socialize and exercise safely off-leash with separate areas for small and large dogs. The unleashed portion of the park has a variety of amenities including swimming ponds, agility equipment and open space to play. A newly constructed bath house at Adamson Lagoon at Bee Creek Park is now open. Adamson Lagoon was built in 1974 and was the City of College Station’s first swimming pool. The pool was named after Art Adamson, a Texas A&M swimming coach, who contributed to both the swim team and to the field of teaching children how to swim. The $1.5 million dollar bath house will make Adamson Lagoon a tourist destination and help to improve services to the local community. For more information on these or other city parks, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 979.764.3486. Registration Dates... August 10: Fall Adult Softball August 14: Fall Water Fitness August 17: Youth Flag Football August 24: Girl’s Softball & Adult Flag Football Register at parksweb.cstx.gov or by stopping by Stephen C. Beachy Central Park between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. can also download the registration form at www.cstx.gov/bvswma. Federal Tax Credits Available –––––––––––––– Taxpayers can receive 30% off the cost of adding insulation, reflective roofing, or installing energy-efficient household items, up to $1,500, via a federal tax credit. This credit was approved by the stimulus bill passed earlier this year by Congress. Installed energy efficiency improvements made this year and next year are eligible for these tax credits. That means a household that makes $5,000 worth of eligible energy efficiency improvements by the end of 2010 can get the maximum tax credit of $1,500 or 30% of the cost. College Station Utilities’ Energy Back II Program for replacement of central air conditioning systems applies to CSU electric customers and they can receive an additional cash rebate for the upgraded replacement. For information on equipment requirements and how to obtain the tax credits, contact College Station Utilities at 979.764.6274. New Parks and Facilities ––––––– Residents are encouraged to check out two recently dedicated parks: Woodland Hills Parks and University Park and the newly opened bath house at Adamson Lagoon. Woodland Hills Park is a partially wooded CITY OF COLLEGE STATION INSIDE COLLEGE STATION July 2009 • PAGE 2 Learn to Compost in Your Own Backyard –––––––––– The Master Composting Training Program is designed to train committed individuals who want to gain composting expertise and assist in educating their community in the area of backyard composting. The program provides an opportunity for hands-on experience, lectures by guest speakers, instructional books and videos, and an overview of the latest composting tools and techniques. After completing the 4 day training course the Master Composters then volunteer 20 hours teaching friends and neighbors in the community. Completion of the class and volunteer hours leads to certification as an official Master Composter. The classroom sessions and field days cover topics such as: • The biology of compost systems • Compost trouble-shooting • Equipment and bin selection • Effective community outreach Next Class Schedule: August 18 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. August 19 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. August 20 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. August 22 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Field Trip Day) There is a $15 fee per person for the class. All classes take place at the College Station Conference Center. If you have any questions about the Master Composter Class please call Shelia McQueen, Program Coordinator, at 979.764.3806. You New Texas 4-H Headquarters The State Headquarters for the Texas 4-H Foundation has relocated to College Station, TX. On June 10, they held an official ceremony to mark the special occasion. The foundation will be using the city’s old Fire Station #3 located off Highway 6 as its new home. In fulfilling its role, the various levels of support arranged by the Texas 4-H Foundation serve to enrich educational programs and activities.