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Working to Prevent Storm Water Pollution Being a good member of the community is important to the NTTA. And when it comes to storm water pollution, the NTTA is working hard to prevent it.
Storm water is surface runoff from precipitation in the form of rainfall, snow or ice that drains from streets, highways, tollroads and other solid surfaces through local storm drain systems and is then discharged into area lakes, rivers and streams. Water from some of these area lakes is used to supply drinking water to area residents.
As precipitation travels toward and through storm sewer systems, it can become polluted with various chemicals, substances and debris, including but not limited to: food wrappers, cigarette butts, yard waste, aluminum cans, styrofoam or paper cups, plastic bottles, motor oil, fuels, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, and construction debris/runoff.
Storm water pollution can be prevented. The NTTA is doing its part by:
• frequent roadway maintenance, including sweeping and litter pick-up
• landscape design utilizing Xeriscape techniques that feature native drought-tolerant plants
• complete turf coverage of all open areas to reduce erosion
• limited usage of herbicides and pesticides
• immediate accidental spill response and clean-up activities
• 18 storm water treatment devices on the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge that protect the water quality of Lewisville Lake
• storm sewer screening to detect unlawful pollution
The NTTA also works to prevent storm water pollution by routinely maintaining its fleet of vehicles and equipment. In fact, its vehicle wash area drains directly to an oil/water separator.
The NTTA is continually searching for new, innovative, and environmentally-friendly ways to reduce its impact on storm water and the environment.
The NTTA has teamed up with other organizations in north central Texas to share information about ways storm water pollution can be reduced. To learn more, visit the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
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