Environmental Tip #58

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This tip explains that autumn leaves washed into storm drains and ditches release nutrients that can fuel harmful algae growth in local waterways, affecting the Corsica River and the Chesapeake Bay. It advises residents to keep leaves out of streets, gutters, and ditches by composting them, tilling them into gardens, mulching with a mower, or raking for curbside pickup.

leaves stormwater algae Corsica River Chesapeake Bay composting mulch curbside pickup

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ENVIRONMENTAL TIP #58
DID YOU KNOW that leaves can be a source of local water pollution?
In autumn, leaves make their way into our streams when rain washes them
down the storm drains and ditches. Once they get into the water, the leaves
release nutrients that contribute to the accelerated growth of algae. The
result is a greenish foul smelling, dying algae that can kill fish and other
aquatic critters and generally make water recreation an unpleasant
experience.
So this autumn, follow simple guidelines and keep leaves out of the water by
keeping them out of streets, gutters and ditches.
Compost – adding leaves to a compost pile creates a nutrient rich fertilizer for
your vegetable and flower gardens.
Till – you can till leaves directly into a garden, contributing valuable organic
matter.
Mulch – using a mulching mower you can chop the leaves into small particles
that will decompose directly into your lawn.
Rake – rake leaves for curbside pickup.
Always remember that what we do on land affects the Corsica River and the
Chesapeake Bay – www.corsicariver.com