April 2024 | Issue No. 35

Species Spotlight:

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as Odonata, are captivating insects found in aquatic environments worldwide. These creatures, with their swift and nimble flight and their dazzling hues, particularly in the summer months, are a sight to behold. Yet, their most intriguing aspect is perhaps their vastly different appearance during most of their lifespan, a fact that often escapes the notice of many.

Before they transform into the agile adults we often see, Odonata begin their journey as wingless, olive-colored larvae, concealed under rocks and vegetation at the bottom of freshwater environments. The only common thread between the larval and adult forms of Odonata is their carnivorous diet. Both the larvae and adults serve as effective predators of mosquitoes and black flies, which also commence their lifecycles in aquatic environments, a crucial role that often goes unnoticed.

Odonata larvae are used as water quality indicators due to their sensitivity to pollution. It's crucial for citizens to play their part in protecting Odonata and their food sources by using and disposing of pesticides responsibly. When exploring streams, it's essential to refrain from disturbing instream rocks and vegetation to safeguard the habitat that larval Odonata depends on. Odonata are not just fascinating insects, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem. As predators of mosquitoes and black flies, they help control their population, making them beneficial to humans as well. It's our duty to ensure that their habitat is shielded and preserved for future generations to appreciate.

Stormwater Quality Inspectors Play a Vital Role in Protecting Our Local Waterways

Have you ever wondered how we keep our local waterways clean and healthy? Well, you can thank the Stormwater Quality division and its dedicated team of construction inspectors for their vital role in ensuring that our water stays free of pollutants.

The City of Tulsa Pollution Ordinance, Title 11-A, Chapter 5, Section 510, provides regulatory enforcement authority for the Stormwater Quality division at construction sites. This means that stormwater quality construction inspectors are responsible for enforcing water quality standards and guidelines for construction site operations in the City of Tulsa.

What does this mean for you? When you see construction sites around the City, you can rest assured that inspectors are on the job, ensuring that the sites are following Best Management Practices (BMP) to prevent pollutants from entering our stormwater systems and impacting our local creeks and waterways.

BMPs typically include erosion and sediment control measures, concrete washout areas, storm drain inlet protection, vegetative buffers, and site stabilization. By looking for these BMPs during their inspections, inspectors can help prevent pollutants from leaving construction sites and entering our streets and storm drains.

However, even with inspectors on the job, we all have a role to play in protecting our waterways. If you see sediment or other pollutants leaving a construction site and entering the street or storm drains, please call 311 to report it. By working together, we can help ensure that our local waterways stay clean and healthy for generations to come.

Remember, we all have a part to play in protecting our environment. Let’s do our part to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Thank you to the stormwater quality construction inspectors for their vital work in protecting our community and our environment.  

Education Spotlight – Great Tulsa Cleanup and Rain Barrel Sale

April is an exciting month for Stormwater Quality as it kicks off its busiest season of educational events. From the Great Tulsa Cleanup to the Rain Barrel Sale, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a positive impact on the environment.

The Great Tulsa Cleanup is an annual event in honor of Earth Day, and it lasts for the entire month of April. Citizens can sign up for a location, time, and day to clean up by visiting the dashboard. If you need additional assistance, the Stormwater team is available to accompany you to your chosen location. Groups that sign up receive trash bags, safety vests, grabbers, and gloves provided by the team. After the cleanup event, you will even receive a t-shirt with our team mascot, Mingo, an orange-throated darter!

The Rain Barrel Sale is another great way to reduce stormwater runoff. These barrels cost $70 and can be purchased with different attachments. Rain barrels are not only great for the environment, but they can also be used to water gardens, lawns, or even cars!

If you are interested in purchasing a rain barrel or signing up for the Great Tulsa Cleanup, you can visit Tulsastreams.com to sign up.

Let’s continue to do our part to keep Tulsa clean and beautiful!