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5 <br /> Yard Maintenance and Gardening <br /> This section deals with the normal yard maintenance activities we all perform at our homes. Over <br /> watering, over fertilizing, improper herbicide application, and improper disposal of trimmings and <br /> clippings can all contribute to serious water pollution problems. Following the BMPs listed below will <br /> help alleviate pollutant runoff. <br /> Required BMPs <br /> • Follow the manufacturer's directions exactly for mixing and applying herbicides, fungicides, <br /> and pesticides, and use them sparingly. Never apply when it is windy or when rain is <br /> expected. Never apply over water, within 100 feet of a well-head, or adjacent to streams, <br /> wetlands, or other water bodies. Triple-rinse empty containers, using the rinsate for mixing <br /> your next batch of spray, and then double-bag and dispose of the empty container in your <br /> regular garbage. Never dispose of grass clippings or other vegetation in or near storm drains, <br /> streams,lakes,or Puget Sound. <br /> Suggested BMPs <br /> • Use natural, organic soil amendments when possible. The excellent soil conditioning <br /> properties of the organic matter aid water retention in lighter soils and help to break up and <br /> aerate heavier soils, so roots can grow better and less watering is needed. It contains both <br /> readily available and long term nitrogen and other nutrients commonly lacking in Northwest <br /> soils. The slow release of nitrogen better matches the needs of plants. Thus, there is much <br /> less potential for nitrates to leach into surface or groundwater due both to less "excess <br /> nitrogen"and less water use. Better vegetative growth can also reduce erosion and runoff. <br /> Use natural, organic soil amendments when <br /> possible... The slow release of nitrogen better matches the <br /> needs ofplants. <br /> • Follow manufacturer's directions when applying fertilizers. More is not better,either for your <br /> lawn or for local water bodies. Never apply fertilizers over water or adjacent to ditches, <br /> streams, or other water bodies. Remember that organic fertilizers have a slow release of <br /> nitrogen,and less potential to pollute then synthetic fertilizers. <br /> • Save water and prevent pollution problems by watering your lawn sensibly. Lawns and <br /> gardens typically need the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall per week. You can check on how <br /> you're doing by putting a wide mouth jar out where you're sprinkling, and measure the water <br /> with a small plastic ruler. Overwatering to the point of runoff can carry polluting nutrients to <br /> the nearest water body. <br /> 14 <br />