Help Ensure Wake Forest Maintains Clean Waterways
Report Spills & Water Contaminants
Only Rain in the Drain
Spills & Contaminants Flow Directly From Storm Drains into Creeks & Streams The Town of Wake Forest is working to find and eliminate contaminants that threaten the health of our waterways. This protects the quality of streams, and limits damage to fish and wildlife. By reporting spills and water contaminants, residents can play a key role in protecting our waterways.
Contaminants
and outdoor washing activities. Illegal contaminants include sediment from construction sites, litter, sewage, animal waste, yard waste, paints, oils and automotive fluids, pesticides, and fertilizers.
A contaminant (or illicit discharge) is anything that makes its way into the storm drains that is not stormwater. These contaminants can enter directly (and illegally) through sewage pipes, industrial and commercial connections and direct pipes. They might also enter indirectly through groundwater seepage, spills, dumps
Odors are a potential sign of illicit discharge — sewage smell, rotten eggs, laundry or petroleum odors. Visual clues of illicit discharges include an oily sheen on water, large algae blooms, floatables and unknown pipe connections. Another clue is noticing running water during dry weather.
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Spills Spills are typically accidental and should be cleaned up immediately to prevent entry into the stormwater conveyance system. Spills can vary in size and characteristics based on the substance. Preventing spills of materials and wastes is a significant component of protecting our waterways. However, even with the best prevention efforts, spills may still occur.
Spill Response If a spill of hazardous materials (fuel, chemicals, fertilizer, etc) is observed, safety should be the first and foremost concern. Quickly assess the situation and if safe, take immediate action CH
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STICIDES
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ANTIFREEZE
to limit the impact of the spill. Turn containers upright and evacuate the site, closing doors as everyone leaves. Once at a safe distance, report the spill as noted on back, and wait for further instruction. If the spill diameter of a hazardous material is greater than 18", or the site feels unsafe given the quality or quantity of material spilled, it is important to quickly notify emergency services. The contacts listed on the back of this brochure can provide instruction for initial response and can recruit professionals who can effectively contain and clean-up the spilled material. Only properly trained and protected professionals should be handling spilled materials.
NEVER HOSE DOWN OR BURY A SPILL! QUICKLY NOTIFY THE TOWN OF WAKE FOREST
Report Spills & Water Contaminants What to Report
Contaminants
Illicit Connections
Spills
sewage, sediment, litter, automotive fluids, large pesticide spills, etc. illegally placed pipes that allow contaminants to enter storm drains
How to Report
Use SeeClickFix
wakeforestnc.gov search “SeeClickFix” SeeClickFix is also a function on the Town of Wake Forest app
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services............................................. Dial 911 Wake Forest Public Works Department......... 919-435-9570 Wake Forest Engineering Department........... 919-435-9442
919-435-9443 919-435-9449
Be prepared to provide the following information
Time, date, & location of the spill Who caused the spill/discharge What is being discharged Estimated volume Vicinity of discharge or nearest address
Town of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks St. | Wake Forest, NC 27587 wakeforestnc.gov