Please do not post signs on public property The City of O’Fallon has ordinances prohibiting the placement of private signs, even temporary ones, on public property or infrastructure. This includes signs for missing pets and garage sales. In addition to being illegal, posting signs can cause unsightly damage to sign posts and lamp posts from tape residue and peeling paint.
Stormwater Management Storm drain maintenance on private property
Water and Sewer Protect your home and sewer system by keeping “FOG” out of the sewer! Take action to protect your home and sewer by properly disposing of fats, oils and grease (FOG) used in cooking instead of disposing them down the drain. FOG can look harmless when it begins as a liquid. When it cools, however, FOG becomes thick and sticky, adhering to the pipes in sewer system and potentially causing clogs, basement backups and sewer overflows. FOG also can cause issues in the pipes of your home, producing clogs or backups. Fats, oils and grease are a byproduct of cooking and are mostly found in the following:
You can help prevent pollution and clogging of the storm sewer system and protect your property. Keeping storm sewers free of pollution and clogs from leaves, sticks and more ensures the system can function as designed and helps minimize water buildup that may damage houses or yards.
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Meats
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Cooking oil
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Lard or shortening
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Butter or margarine
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Mayonnaise
Storm drains are designed to capture stormwater runoff and are either located at the curb of the street or in backyards. The stormwater runoff is not treated or filtered, so whatever enters the system, exits the system somewhere else downstream into local steams or retention/detention basins.
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Food scraps
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“Hidden oils” (salad dressings, syrup, batter, cheese and whipping cream, etc.)
In order for the storm drains to work properly, they need to be kept clear of debris and other obstacles that may obstruct their openings. If the openings become clogged, this could increase the risk of localized flooding in yards, causing property damage.
How can you help? •
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You can help by keeping these openings clear. Clearing such debris from in front of storm sewers will help them function as intended. Do not plant landscape around the openings; stay at least three feet away from openings. Do not deposit grass clippings, leaves or branches into storm sewers. Large accumulations can cause pipes to become clogged and back up and flood properties or streets. Remove trees and bushes directly next to storm sewers when they are just starting to grow before they get large enough to cause potential damage to the storm sewer structures or block flow due to their size.
If a larger concern arises, call the Stormwater Maintenance Division at 636-379-7632.
You can do your part to help sewer systems work properly by using the disposal methods provided below: •
Wipe visible FOG and food scraps from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash for disposal.
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Never pour FOG down your sink drain, garbage disposal or the sewer system
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Cool it, can it and trash it. Pour cooled FOG into a container such as empty pet food, vegetable or coffee cans. Allow the material to cool and solidify. Secure the lid and place it in the trash when full.
You can help a local charity when you pay O’Fallon utility bills Residents can easily assist local charities by donating $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle when they pay their City water, sewer and trash collection bills. Each year, the O’Fallon City Council designates a charity to receive the funds, and for 2022 your voluntary donation can help Meals on Wheels. The nonprofit depends on voluntary donations for the hot, nutritious food delivered to homebound seniors who can’t easily make a meal. To register for the donation program, please call 636-379-5566 or email kpieper@ofallon.mo.us.
Have a question or concern for City of O’Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2022
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