Renew O’Fallon

Below are updates for some of the major projects going on around O’Fallon. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects to see a comprehensive list of projects near you.

West Elm Intersection Realignment

This project will realign the intersection of West Elm St. and Main St.to allow for improved traffic flow. As part of this project, pavement in the area will be resurfaced and sidewalks will be updated to improve ADA access for pedestrians.

Bramblett Road Reconstruction

This project will reconstruct Bramblett Road, including new pavement and the addition of pedestrian infrastructure along the roadway.

Guthrie Road

A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Guthrie Road and Mexico Road. Guthrie Road will be realigned, widening and easing the existing curve and improving safety for vehicles.

Caledonia Parkway

This project will construct a new roadway connecting the the I-64 South Outer Road and Highway DD, including pedestrian infrastructure. This new connector road will improve current and future traffic flow in the area.

Why is it important to care about stormwater runoff and what ends up in our creeks and storm drains? Stormwater runoff is not treated, and what goes into runoff and storm drains eventually ends up in a creek. Creeks are vital life sources for our natural environment including wildlife and our ground water resources. Locally, our creeks feed the Mississippi River which means that anything that leaves our City via the creeks has the potential to do harm further down river and eventually the ocean. The more polluted these natural water sources become, the more we increase water pollution overall. That means the waterways are less fishable and swimmable. In many areas, including much of O’Fallon, water from the rivers is used for drinking water and the more polluted the waterways become, the more expensive it is to clean, meaning your water bill increases.

Here are some suggestions on what you can do to keep our waterways as clean as possible:

Trash: Discard trash in the proper place, especially cigarette butts. The nicotine acts as a dangerous pesticide to some aquatic wildlife.

Recycle

Animal Waste: Dispose of it properly, not in the storm sewer, creek or stream. Vehicles: Fix leaking vehicles. The fluids they leak on the ground end up in the storm sewer when it rains or gets hosed off. Don’t deposit unwanted oil, antifreeze or other automotive liquids into storm drains. Wash them in a commercial car wash to prevent harmful detergent chemicals from washing into the drain or use environmentally-friendly detergent which is lower in phosphorus. Lawn & Yard Waste: Dispose of yard waste properly with O’Fallon’s yard waste service. Do not deposit it in storm drains, creeks or streams. Yard waste can damage the natural state of the creek banks by choking out viable vegetation with deeper root structure, which can help to stabilize the banks naturally and prevent them from eroding and failing. Pesticides & Fertilizers: Use as directed. More does not necessarily mean better. The overflow just ends up washing down the storm sewer. Pools: Make sure the pH is between 6.5 and 7.0 and no chemicals are present before draining the pool or discarding filter backwash.

For further information, questions or comments, please contact Michele Gremminger, Stormwater Management Coordinator at 636-379-7632 or micheleg@ofallon.mo.us.