PURCELLVILLE, Va. May 18, 2018— The Town of Purcellville reminds its residents and contractors not to place grass clippings, leaves, sticks or any other debris into the town’s storm drains. With the heavy rains, debris in the storm drains will cause the storm drains to back up and overflow onto the Town Streets.
Storm drains flow directly to our streams and bays, and yard waste contributes nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Increased algae growth is observed as green algae blooms or “scums” on lakes and ponds. Too much algae is harmful to our natural water system. It blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When it dies and decays, it also takes much needed oxygen away from fish.
Our trash contractor, American Disposal, removes yard waste every Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to place their grass clipping in either a brown recyclable bag or in a trash container marked “yard waste.” Stickers are available at Town Hall. If you prefer not to bag your yard waste, please blow or sweep the grass clippings back into your yard. The EPA recommends leaving the grass clippings on your lawn to promote a natural fertilizer. When short grass clippings filter to the ground, they naturally decompose and nutrients return to the soil to support further turn growth by supplying part of the lawns fertilizer needs.
With your help, we can reduce the amount of waste flowing into our storm drains.
