Reduce pet waste pollution – Times-Standard

The city of Arcata encourages community members to support National Stormwater Day (on Saturday) by reducing their pollution contributions, with a focus on pet waste.

National Stormwater Day was established to raise public awareness about the importance of stormwater as a resource.

A city of Arcata press release says, “Stormwater is essential to the water cycle; rain keeps rivers flowing, plants thriving and fish and wildlife healthy. Since there are buildings, homes and schools in what used to be nature, local watersheds are altered and rain is discharged directly into local waterways through storm drains without filtration. When stormwater flows over the ground it picks up many pollutants along its way, including oil from cars, litter on the streets and waste from pets.

“Pet waste contains harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites that contaminate local waters through stormwater runoff. This contamination raises health risks and degrades water quality which can make waterways not safe for swimming or fishing. To avoid these problems, clean up after pets and dispose of their waste properly. A small gesture can have a significant impact on human health and the health of the environment.

Here are some pet waste best practices:

• Always clean up after pets whether at home, on a trail, at a dog park or in a neighborhood.
• Seal the pet waste in a bag and throw it in a trash can.
• Never put pet waste in compost or yard waste bins.
• Dog poop can be flushed down the toilet when it is not in a bag.
• No other animal waste is recommended to be flushed. Only flush dog waste.
• Be prepared with waste bags. Keep them on a pet’s leash, in the car, or in a purse.
• Look for Dogipot pet waste stations around the city of Arcata. Visit the city of Arcata Pet Waste page for a map of Dogipot stations, cityofarcata.org/779/Pet-Waste.
• Encourage friends, family and neighbors to be responsible and pick up after their pets.

For more information on preventing stormwater pollution, visit cityofarcata.org/352/Stormwater. For questions about stormwater best management practices or reducing stormwater pollution, contact the Environmental Services Department at eservices@cityofarcata.org or call 707-822-8184.