Lincoln Stormwater Program

August Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE: We're Talking Trash | Auburn Ravine Creek Cleanup 2019

How does trash end up in our waterways?

The storm drainage system within the City of Lincoln consists of curbs, gutters, and storm drains, and it ultimately discharges water to the local creeks and ravines. The storm drainage system is separate from the sewer system, which means that the water that flows into the storm drain system does NOT get treated by the Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility.

As water flows over the urban landscape, it picks up and carries whatever it comes into contact with along the way, such as trash and cigarette butts. The water then flows into storm drains and ultimately into the local waterways (such as Markham Ravine, Auburn Ravine, and Raccoon Creek), where it can affect the water quality and ecosystems.

Click the image above to view a poster by our friends over at Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program that shows the multiple ways that trash gets into our creeks and ravines.

BUTT OUT!: How improperly disposed cigarette butts make an impact to our water quality

Cigarette Butt Facts*:

Cigarette butts are the #1 most frequently littered item in America, comprising about 32% of all litter.
41% of smokers report that they do not have receptacles for cigarette butts at their workplaces.
32% of storm drains have tobacco products that have been deposited in them.

*From The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program 2019 data

WHAT'S THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DROPPED CIGARETTE BUTTS?

As cigarette butts travel from the streets to our waterways, their toxic chemicals do as well, making them both a litter and waste disposal problem. They also don’t biodegrade— 95% of cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic which persists in the environment. All of this affects the quality of our waterways and the health of plants and animals that are part of our ecosystems.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Before you light up, identify where you will dispose of your cigarette butt when you finish smoking.
Carry a pocket ashtray all the time or have a portable ashtray with you as you leave your home, office, or car.
Encourage fellow smokers to be responsible for their cigarette litter, too.

Easy tips you can do to prevent litter in the City of Lincoln

Everyone can help keep our city beautiful and our waterways clean! See some easy and simple tips below.

Never put or dispose of anything in the storm drain or drainage ditch.
Properly dispose of trash.
Clean leaves and trash out of your rain and street gutters.
Dispose of pet waste in the garbage.
Keep garbage can lids secure.
If you see litter and trash in your neighborhood, pick it up and properly dispose of it in a trash receptacle.
Remember to bring a bag for trash when hiking, camping, or at any outdoor activity.
Keep a trash bag in the car and never throw litter out of your car window.
When hauling materials by truck, enclose your loads or cover with a tarp to prevent anything from falling or blowing off the back.

Remember—Clean Water Starts With You!

Participate in the Auburn Ravine Cleanup Day

Help fight the litter battle by signing up to participate in the Auburn Ravine Creek Cleanup at McBean Park in Lincoln. This is one of two local creek cleanup efforts spearheaded by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation.

"During last year's creek cleanups our volunteers picked up about a ton of trash—literally 2,000 pounds of garbage that found its way near or in our creek! The trash that ends up in Auburn Ravine Creek makes its way to the Sacramento River and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. As a community, we can work together to prevent this trash from ending up in our large bodies of water, creating a dangerous and unhealthy environment for sea and human life. As a community, we can all help make a greener, cleaner tomorrow," said Veronica Griffiths, Education Coordinator for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation.

Ready to pitch in and make a difference? RSVP for the September 21st creek cleanup here or by clicking below.

VOLUNTEER TODAY!