Would you know what to do if you saw a spill?
Whenever something is flowing down the gutter that is not clean water, rainwater, or snow melt, it could be a spill. Gutters lead to inlets, which then flow into streams.
First, never allow anything besides stormwater onto the street,curb, or gutter. Wash water, grass clippings and dirt / debris negatively affect the quality of water in our waterways. Discharge wash water onto your lawn. Compost or properly dispose of yard waste in the trash, not into the storm system.
Below are spills that you may see to which an emergency response may be needed.
Spill 1
While driving down the road, your car runs over something and it hits hard under the car. The car seems to be running alright, so you drive it home and then see that it is leaking gasoline. What should you do?
Anytime gasoline or oil is involved, try to stop the leading edge of the flow with dirt, rags, anything that is available and call 911. Emergency crews will respond.
Spill 2
You are taking a walk in your neighborhood and see a green substance flowing down the gutter. Could this be antifreeze, a substance deadly to animals, or could it be grass stained water?
A green substance could be a number of things, possibly toxic. If you feel uncomfortable going to the source of the spill to determine what it is, call the City at 720-898-7070 or police at 911. A response may be needed.
Spill 3
While looking out the window, you notice your neighbor washing paint brushes out in the gutter. Who do you call?
If you can, call your neighbor and let them know that washing anything out in the gutter is illegal or call the City at 720-898-7070. A warning will be issued and the paint will need to be cleaned up. If it happens again, a fine will be assessed.
We thank you for helping protect Arvada's environment!