Grand Rapids, Michigan, residents are being advised to be aware of storm drains when removing leaves from their yards.
There are approximately 17,000 storm drains across Grand Rapids and they are designed to filter out debris that would otherwise end up in the river, according to the city.
These basins are often located next to street curbs, or in yards of residential areas and, and are increasingly prone to becoming blocked with the leaves.
According to the city, on average and as part of a 5-year rotation effort, city crews clean 4,000 of the 17,000 catch basins annually.
Grand Rapids is asking residents to aid in the prevention of street flooding by ensuring that their leaf raking efforts do not result in the blocking of the catch basins in their neighborhoods. The city is offering options for leaf removal, including:
- Using “Don’t Bag It!” techniques and composting them back into the lawn;
- Participating in Grand Rapids’ Yard Waste Program; And
- Dropping off leaves and other yard waste free of charge at 2001 Butterworth SW.
To incentivize residents, the city’s Department of Environmental Services (ESD) is launching a multifaceted campaign. This campaign includes door hangers, billboards and social media efforts and is in partnership with the Lower Grand Rapids Organization of Watersheds (LGROW). LGROW is an organization whose mission includes promoting and protecting the Grand River and they also coordinate a regional year-round Adopt-A-Drain program. The Adopt-A-Drain program encourages residents to take action in their own neighborhoods by managing storm water and minimizing flooding.
Residents are also encouraged to follow ESD on Facebook for regular updates.
