Background
Stormwater drainage systems are designed to quickly collect rainwater and direct it to open water to minimize flooding. These systems do not treat or filter the stormwater prior to it entering waterways. Chemicals or other unacceptable material in the stormwater can injure or kill aquatic life by increasing susceptibility to disease, impacting development and decreasing oxygen levels.
Reducing environmental impacts
Stormwater from private property enters the City collection system through eavestroughs, perimeter drains and any collection grates that connect to a City stormwater service. Water flowing down driveways and sidewalks onto the roadway gets collected in storm catch basins lining City streets.
Prior to completing work on your property first consider using alternatives to chemical detergents and roof cleaning chemicals. If these materials are used there are a few actions to take to reduce the likelihood of a release into the stormwater system:
- Disconnect perimeter drains.
- Ensure no wastewater is exiting off your property (e.g., down the driveway, lawn or sidewalk).
Safely removing moss from a roof
Bleach, soap and detergents are not acceptable moss removal products and can have significant impacts on local aquatic ecosystems. The safe removal of mosses from a roof includes physical removal (i.e. scraping) or the use of an approved moss control product.
Complete the following steps if using a chemical product:
- Carefully read the label to ensure an understanding of the product.
- Confirm the products’ registration number and approval for roof use in Canada.
- Disconnect any connected downspouts to prevent the product from entering the City stormwater system.
Fisheries regulation
The Fisheries Act is federal legislation aiming to reduce waterway pollution and protect fish and their habitats. Section 36(3) states “no person shall deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious substance of any type in water frequented by fish or in any place under any conditions where the deleterious substance or any other deleterious substance that results from the deposit of the deleterious substance may enter any such water”. This includes release of materials to the City stormwater system and/or an open ditch. Failure to comply could result in fines.
If an accidental release occurs that may enter a waterway including an open ditch contact the City immediately.