Phase II Stormwater Program

New York State Law requires that the Village of Russell Gardens participate in a five year program to upgrade and safeguard its storm water system. Storm water is from rain or melted snow that flows over sidewalks, lawns and streets and runs through our system of storm drains and pipes to reduce flooding. Storm water washes pollutants off these surfaces and carries them to the nearest body of water: our streams, ponds and our north shore bays and ocean beaches. Unlike water that goes into our sanitary sewers - from our showers and toilets, for example - storm water, and all that it is carrying, never undergoes treatment before discharging to our surrounding water bodies. Over the years we have learned that storm water run-off is a major contributor to pollution. The Village of Russell Gardens has implemented procedures for site inspections, enforcement of control measures and sanctions to ensure compliance at construction sites as it pertains to storm water runoff control. Public education is ongoing, public involvement and participation is encouraged.

Residents can do their part to help keep our waterways clean:

1. Don't use storm drains as waste receptacles. Never pour pesticides, oil or lawn care products in the street or in the storm drains.
2. Do not blow leaves or other yard waste in to the street.
3. Remember to recycle.
4. The Town of North Hempstead has a S.T.O.P. Program (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) 516-767-4600

2011 Draft Storm Water Management Program Annual Report (SWMPAR)

As of 5/20/2011 the Draft of the Village's Storm Water Management Program Annual Report is available for public review. The Draft may be accessed at the link below. Public comments on the Draft will be accepted at Village Hall or 516-482-8246 until May 27, 2011. The Village's Phase II Storm Water Management Program Plan Document is also available for review at Village Hall.

View the 2011 Draft SWMPAR

THROWING PET WASTE IN STORM SEWERS IS ILLEGAL!!!

New York State and Local Municipal Law prohibits "illicit discharges" to storm sewer systems. Pet waste thrown in storm sewer systems, bagged or un-bagged, is an example of an illicit or "illegal" discharge that is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

Pet wastes dumped into storm sewers can contribute to increased pathogens (i.e., fecal coli form bacteria) to surface water resources or to adjacent storm sewer systems.

The best way to discard pet waste is to flush it (not the bag!) down the toilet (throw the bag) in your garbage can.

The next best approach is to discard the pet waste (bagged or unbagged) directly into your outdoor garbage can or separate, smaller, trash can with plastic liner.