ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN

Public Works: Only rain down the drain

Be part of the solution to stormwater pollution.

That’s the message Snellville Public Works officials want residents to know during spring clean up projects many take part in during this time of year.

Each time it rains, water washes over our streets, driveways, and yards picking up pollutants along the way and flowing into our storm drains. This runoff may contain pollutants such as motor oil, yard clippings, pet waste, litter, lawn chemicals, anti-freeze, or other toxins, which can pollute our water supply as well as clog pipes and culverts which can lead to flooding. Known as “NonPoint Source Pollution”, it is the largest threat to our waterways today. Sometimes pollutants are dumped directly into storm drains by neighbors who don’t know any better.

Contrary to popular belief, most storm drains are not connected to treatment systems. Whatever enters the drain is discharged directly, untreated into local waterways.

You can help by using the following tips to prevent pollution:

•Properly dispose of hazardous waste and recycle used motor oil.

•Use fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

•Keep yard waste, trash, and dirt off the street and out of the gutters.

•Clean up after your pets.

•Wash your car at a car wash facility or park your car in the grass before you wash it.

•Spread the word about protecting our waterways from polluted runoff. ^^^ CLEAN DRAINS - Snellville Public Works is urging residents to keep stormwater drains clean like these on Green Turf Drive and Collinswood Drive.

Shark Tank student business competition returns May 6

Shark Tank 2021 – It’s back!

The first shark sighting in Snellville was in the spring of 2012. Young entrepreneurs have gathered every year since then with the exception of 2020 to take part in a business pitch competition modeled after the successful TV show. Students, teachers and local business owners are planning for the return of the Snellville Shark Tank at 2:30 p.m. May 6, the ninth year of this unique opportunity for South Gwinnett, Brookwood and Grayson high school students. Local youth entrepreneurs selected from among many young business hopefuls will pitch their businesses to a jury of local business owners. The prize is cash to be used to continue to launch their business and create their own summer job.

“In a time when so many people feel unsure of their future, there is a select group of young entrepreneurs at Snellville’s local high schools that are taking control of their own destiny and charting a path less taken,” said Economic Development Director and Shark Tank organizer Eric Van Otteren.