August 2023
Backyard Conversation
Connecting Community + Conservation
Welcome to the Backyard Conversation! Each month we'll be sharing a conservation topic from a more personal viewpoint for our readers. To make this successful, I want to hear feedback from you! I'll include a poll at the bottom regarding our topic and share links to some of our partner organizations with similar messages. So, let's get to it!
How to Report Pollution
An easy way to keep our waterways clean
We receive a handful of calls every year about pollution. While we do our best to educate the public that "only rain should go down the drain," illegal dumping and accidental spills still happen. However, we can take quick action to report any pollution or dumping to the proper authorities as soon as possible. Quick reporting leads to quick remediation.
Where to Report Pollution
The proper place to report pollution depends on what the pollution is and where it is. Here's where you should report the different kinds of pollution in Franklin County, Ohio.
If you see someone putting anything in a storm drain or directly into any body of water or a ditch, gather any information you can, and report it to the Environmental Task Force of Central Ohio at itsacrime.org.
Report the release of any material that impacts public health or the environment including chemicals and petroleum products to the Ohio EPA 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-282-9378.
Franklin County Public Health
FSWCD Franklin Soil and Water Logo Vertical
Report any sewage related issues to Franklin County Public Health. You can also report other public health concerns such as mosquitoes to Franklin County Public Health.
Report any non-emergency pollution to the municipality. Aren't sure what to do or who to call? Not sure if it's even really pollution? Call Franklin Soil and Water at 614-486-9613 or use our contact form, and we will help figure it out!
Reporting Pollution Outside Franklin County
If you encounter pollution outside of Franklin County, check out the Be the Change for Clean Water website to report pollution in the following counties: Delaware, Madison, Knox, Licking, Morrow, and Union. If it is outside of those counties, contact the local soil and water district or the local sheriff's office for direction.
Franklin Soil and Water's Annual Meeting
You're invited! Franklin Soil and Water's Annual Meeting is on Thursday September 14, 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Whetstone Park Shelterhouse. Join us to celebrate conservation along the Olentangy River and recognize our longtime partners at FLOW! Tickets are $10. There will be food, refreshments, displays and activities. Event sponsorships are available.
Question of the Month
Have you ever reported water or environmental pollution to authorities?
Yes
No
Get the Scoop from Nature Scoop

Want to learn more about backyard conservation, pollinators, and more? Read the latest edition of the monthly newsletter Nature Scoop by Toni Stahl, National Wildlife Federation Habitat Ambassador.

Nature Scoop August 2023 - How to feed butterflies that don't eat flower nectar; Plant rash tips; Info for our yards and gardens & More!

Learn more at www.backyardhabitat.info and on Twitter @NatureScoopOhio.
Mikaela Mohr
Outreach Program Specialist
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
1404 Goodale Blvd. Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43212 
p: 614-486-9613 | e: mmohr@franklinswcd.org

Kori Sedmak
Public Outreach Coordinator
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
1404 Goodale Blvd. Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43212 
p: 614-486-9613 | e: ksedmak@franklinswcd.org
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District | (614) 486-9613 | www.franklinswcd.org