Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category are designed to educate the public about the ways storm water can impact our water quality, hazards associated with illegal discharges, and steps that Tyler’s citizens can take to reduce pollutants in our storm water runoff.  These outreach activities will address a wide range of audiences including residents, visitors to our city, public service employees, local businesses, commercial and industrial facilities, and construction site personnel.

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains six BMPs in the Public Education and Outreach category including:

• PE-1 : Utility Bill Inserts
• PE-2 : Storm Water Brochures
• PE-3 : Storm Water Web Site
• PE-4 : Public Service Announcements
• PE-5 : School Book Covers
• PE-6 : Classroom Storm Water Education

Over the next 5 years, the City’s program will use a variety of print, web and television media to reach a broad audience with a range of topics.  Some of our BMPs such as the Utility Bill Inserts and School Book Covers can only convey short topical messages to reinforce an idea or refer citizens to other available materials, such as brochures and this web site where they can find more detailed information.  Two of our BMPs (School Book Covers and Classroom Storm Water Education) were selected specifically for school aged children.  All of our BMPs were developed to work together as an integrated Public Education program.

Classroom education has been shown to be a very effective way to increase environmental awareness of children as well as their parents.  A storm water curriculum will be developed for Tyler ISD to educate students on storm water related issues.  The Classroom Education will be coordinated with several of the other Public Education BMPs.  School book covers with storm water topics will be provided to students to enhance classroom education. Additionally, when computer classes are teaching students how to use the web, the class can visit the City’s storm water web page to learn about the City’s Storm Water Program.  For field trips, the classes may also participate in creek cleanup projects for Earth day or help mark storm drain inlets.

It is important to develop approved curriculum for these classes and provide teachers with the resources for an effective program.  In the 2008-2009 school year, City officials will meet with Tyler ISD to coordinate and develop the classroom education program.  Curriculum for the classes will be developed over the next two years and classes are scheduled to begin in Fall 2010.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category are opportunities for the public to get involved in Tyler’s storm water program, with projects that have a direct impact on reducing storm water pollution in our city.  Although Federal and State regulations only require the City to comply with public notice requirements, public involvement is the hallmark of successful storm water programs.

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains four BMPs in the Public Education and Involvement category including:

• PI-1 : Storm Drain Marking
• PI-2 : Stream Cleanup Projects
• PI-3 : Storm Water Hotline
• PI-4 : Storm Water Stakeholder Committee

The Environmental Protection Agency examined the successes of larger cities throughout the country that implemented storm water programs in the early 1990s and found that public involvement BMPs were integral to reducing storm water pollution.  Pick one of the programs listed above, and help us keep the creeks in Tyler clean and beautiful.

One of the ways that citizens can help improve storm water quality in Tyler is through our Storm Drain Marking program. The rectangular concrete boxes along the curbs of streets and parking lots are inlets that catch water and put it into the City’s storm drain system. Curb inlets are frequent targets for illegal dumping of substances such as paint, motor oil and grass clippings. Many times residents are unaware that the City’s storm drain system discharges directly to streams and lakes without treatment. Curb markers are plastic or metal buttons that can be glued to the curb inlet to inform the public that this curb inlet flows directly to the creek.

You can help! Tyler is looking for volunteer organizations to help glue these markers to curb inlets in your neighborhood. The City will be organizing Storm Drain Marking Events (see dates below). Individuals, businesses, civic organizations, Girl/Boy Scout troops, schools, neighborhood and homeowner associations are invited to participate in this effort.

To be placed on our volunteer list, please click here to email your contact information to City of Tyler Storm Drain Marking Events Coordinator.

For more information about storm drain marking, check out the Texas Storm Drain Marking Manual available on the TCEQ’s web site.

One of the ways that citizens can help keep the streams in Tyler healthy is through our Stream Cleanup Projects.  Stream cleanup projects are a great way to improve aquatic habitat, water quality, and aesthetics while promoting storm water awareness.  The City periodically organizes Stream Cleanup Events and is looking for volunteer organizations to participate.  Individuals, businesses, civic organizations, Girl/Boy Scout troops, schools, neighborhood and homeowner associations are invited to participate in this effort.  The City will provide Cleanup Kits with instructions and appropriate safety equipment.

To be placed on our volunteer list, click here to email your contact information to the City of Tyler Stormwater event coordinator.

To find more information about what you can do to prevent litter in our streams and in our neighborhoods, check out the Keep Tyler Beautiful website.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category are designed to eliminate substances other than storm water from entering the City’s storm drainage system.  Our storm drain system is designed to carry storm water only, and it is illegal to put any other substances in the storm drains. 

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains nine BMPs in the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination category including:

• ID-1 : Storm Drain System Mapping
• ID-2 : Dry Weather Screening
• ID-3 : Illicit Discharge Investigations
• ID-4 : Illicit Discharge Ordinance
• ID-5 : Reduce Sanitary Sewer Overflows
• ID-6 : Household Chemical Disposal
• ID-7 : Reduce Illegal Dumping
• ID-8 : Reduce Failing Septic Systems
• ID-9 : Storm Water Hotline

Things that commonly make their way into the storm drain either accidentally or deliberately are automotive fluids such as used motor oil and antifreeze, paint, grass clippings, and trash.  Sometimes plumbing is improperly connected to the storm drain system which allows sanitary waste, grey water or industrial wastewater to enter the storm drain system.  These are more common in the older areas of Tyler.  The discharge of water from these sources can be very damaging to streams and lakes and can lead to fish kills.  If discharged to lakes used as a drinking water source or for recreation, these discharges can also be harmful to humans and can spread diseases.  For these reasons, the City is aggressively implementing BMPs to detect and eliminate illegal discharges.

Did you know that many common household chemicals are dangerous to our kids, pets, and the environment?  These materials may pollute our waterways if washed or dumped into storm drains or roadside ditches that lead directly to our streams and lakes.  Household cleaners, pesticides, gasoline, antifreeze, used motor oil, and other hazardous products should to be labeled, stored, and disposed of properly.

The City of Tyler provides free disposal of household hazardous chemicals for its residents.  Quantities of one gallon or less may be placed at curbside during your normal garbage collection.

Liquid chemicals should be securely sealed to prevent leaks and set out separately from household trash on collection day.  Paint must be dried before being placed at the curb.  To dry paint, pour two quarts of Oil Dry Absorbent or Kitty Litter into a half gallon of paint.  Stir and leave the top off to allow it to dry.  Oil Dry is available at any grocery or auto supply store.  It is also available in one gallon baggies at the Tyler Recycling Collection Center (418 N. Bois D'Arc Avenue).

Car batteries may be left on the curb on your garbage day and they will be picked up and recycled.  Rechargeable batteries can be taken to Batteries Plus, located at 4906 Broadway Avenue and recycled for free.

Used Motor Oil that is less than five gallons from non-commercial users can be taken to any auto service shop in Tyler and they will dispose of it properly at no charge to you.

To learn about safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals, visit the City’s Hazardous Waste link on the Solid Waste Department web page.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category are designed to address storm water runoff from construction sites that are 1 acre or larger.  Construction site operators are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and comply with regulations contained in the Construction General Permit.  The City is required to implement ordinances and procedures to ensure that construction site operators comply with State regulations.  The City will also educate and inform local developers and builders through a stakeholder committee and a training program.

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains six BMPs in the Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control category including:

• C-1 : Strengthen Erosion Control Ordinance
• C-2 : Erosion Control Plan Review Procedures
• C-3 : Construction Inspection
• C-4 : Developer’s Stakeholder Meetings
• C-5 : Construction General Permit Training
• C-6 : Storm Water Hotline for Public Comment

Often construction of a site begins with the removal of vegetation and grading of the site in preparation for building.  In the case of sub-division development, large areas of bare soil may be exposed to rain during the construction phase.  The lack of ground cover makes these sites especially vulnerable to soil erosion.  Sediment laden water may be washed off-site and into lakes and streams, making the water cloudy.  Besides poor visibility, the sediment prevents sunlight from reaching the aquatic plants and smothers bottom-dwelling insects and fish.

To review the various structural and nonstructural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and develop a consensus on the BMPs that are most applicable for Tyler, the City of Tyler will conduct a series of stakeholders meetings with local developers and homebuilders.  The City will conduct a series of four meetings during the quarterly Developers Roundtable meetings, and will enlist the aid of the Tyler Area Builder’s Association to advertise the meetings to their members and identify any additional participants.

The Developer Stakeholder Committee process will start with an overview of all of the BMPs that are available for construction and post-construction runoff control, and then narrow the focus down to a smaller set of BMPs through a voting process.

If you are interested in participating in the Developers Stakeholder Committee, please contact Michael Wilson in Development Services at (903) 531-1171 for more information.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category address storm water runoff from areas of new development and redevelopment.  Unlike the temporary BMPs during construction, post-construction BMPs are permanent and are used to control pollution after construction is completed.  The City is required to implement an ordinance to ensure that post-construction BMPs are incorporated into development projects and provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of post-construction BMPs.  To identify the BMPs that will work best in Tyler, the City will hold a series of stakeholder committee with the local developers and builders, and will also incorporate BMPs that improve water quality into Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) where possible.

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains four BMPs in the Post Construction Storm Water Management category including:

• PC-1 : Developer’s Stakeholder Meetings
• PC-2 : Post Construction Ordinance
• PC-3 : Long Term Operation and Maintenance of BMPs
• PC-4 : List of Water Quality CIP Projects

Numerous studies have documented that storm water runoff from developed areas contributes significant amounts of pollution to lakes and streams.  The increase in impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads, and parking lots can increase urban runoff and have a detrimental impact on aquatic ecosystems due to increased concentrations of sediment, nutrients, pesticides, road salts, heavy metals, pathogenic bacteria, and petroleum hydrocarbons.  The best way to reduce the negative effects of storm water from new development is to use BMPs to treat, store, and infiltrate runoff onsite before it can affect downstream waterbodies. Innovative site designs that reduce impervious area and low impact development practices may be used to reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality.

To review the various structural and nonstructural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and develop a consensus on the BMPs that are most applicable for Tyler, the City of Tyler will conduct a series of stakeholders meetings with local developers and homebuilders.  The City will conduct a series of four meetings during the quarterly Developers Roundtable meetings, and will enlist the aid of the Tyler Area Builder’s Association to advertise the meetings to their members and identify any additional participants.

The Developer Stakeholder Committee process will start with an overview of all of the BMPs that are available for construction and post-construction runoff control, and then narrow the focus down to a smaller set of BMPs through a voting process.

If you are interested in participating in the Developers Stakeholder Committee, please contact MIchael Wilson in Development Services at (903) 531-1171 for more information.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in this category apply to activities conducted by the City employees at City-owned facilities such as City offices, maintenance yards, fire stations, parks and golf courses.  These BMPs also apply to infrastructure owned, operated and maintained by the City such as the storm sewer system and roadways.

Tyler’s Storm Water Management Program contains nine BMPs in the Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping category including:

• GH-1 : Storm Water Pollution Prevention Training
• GH-2 : Vehicle Maintenance
• GH-3 : Vehicle Washing
• GH-4 : Vehicle Fueling
• GH-5 : Landscape and Lawn Care
• GH-6 : Roadway Cleaning
• GH-7 : Storm Drain System Cleaning
• GH-8 : Hazardous Material Storage and Disposal
• GH-9 : Used Oil Collection & Recycling

Many routine activities such as maintaining, fueling and washing of City vehicles can be done in environmentally friendly ways to reduce the chances of storm water pollution.  The City will ensure that its employees are trained to recognize pollution hazards.  Employee training programs focus on ways to reduce and prevent storm water pollution.

The City of Tyler collects and recycles used oil at the Oakwood Municipal Complex located at 410 W. Oakwood.  Although primarily used for recycling used motor oil from the City’s fleet, this site also accepts used oil from residents.  Recycling reduces the City’s disposal costs and ensures that the waste oils are not discharged into the storm drain system or our creeks and waterways.  The City encourages citizens to take their used motor oil to the Oakwood Municipal Complex or to any local auto maintenance shop in Tyler.  These auto shops are conveniently located and will take the used oil free of charge.  Quantities of less than five gallons from non-commercial users will be accepted at any auto service shop.

SOME DOS AND DON'TS:
NEVER dispose used motor oil on the ground; in a ditch, creek, river, or lake; in a storm sewer; or in the garbage.  It’s against the law.

DO NOT mix used motor oil with any other liquids such as gasoline, solvents, antifreeze, pesticides, etc.

Transfer your used motor oil to a clean, leak-proof plastic container with a screw-on top such as a milk jug or empty oil container to prevent leaking or spilling.   Use a funnel to prevent spills when transferring the used oil from the drain pan to the container.

To drain oil from used oil filters, punch an air hole in the dome end of the filter with a screwdriver.  Allow oil to drain from the filter for several hours and combine it with the rest of your used motor oil for recycling.

FACTS ABOUT USED MOTOR OIL (Source: TCEQ, LDEQ, EPA, American Petroleum Institute)

• Texas law prohibits dumping used oil on land or into sewers or waterways.  Texas has also banned used oil filters from being placed in or accepted for disposal in a landfill.
• It takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce 2.5 quarts of motor oil, but only one gallon of used motor oil can be recycled into the same amount of reusable motor oil.
• It only takes one cup of used motor oil to create a sheen on a one acre pond.
• The United States produces 1.3 billion gallons of waste oil each year, of which 800 million gallons are recycled.
• If all the waste oil in the United States were recycled in a single year, we would save half the output of the Alaska Pipeline for the same period.
• Recycling used motor oil lessens our dependence on foreign sources of oil and prevents contaminants from getting into the environment.
• One oil change – improperly disposed and not recycled – can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, which is a year’s supply for 50 people.

For the location of a used oil/used oil filter collection center near you, call 1-800-CLEANUP, or visit Earth911.org to search for recycling locations by Zip Code.