July 2024 | Issue No. 36

What is Dry Weather Field Screening?

Dry weather field screening was designed to locate illicit discharges and illegal disposal into Tulsa’s storm sewer. Illicit discharges can be defined as any discharge to a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except those allowable discharges in accordance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Screenings are performed 72 hours after 0.1” or more of precipitation with the intent to find flow during dry weather. Flows are sampled and tested for pH, temperature, conductivity, detergents, chlorine, copper, ammonia and fluoride, as well as appearance and odor. If contaminants are found in concentrations above the action levels, then a follow-up investigation is performed to identify the source of the pollutant within 72 hours of screening results. When the source of the illicit discharge is identified, it is eliminated.

How Well Do You Know Your Fertilizer?

It’s that time of year again – warm weather, longer days, blooming flowers, and singing birds are signaling it’s time to beautify gardens and lawns. For many, beautification projects include fertilizers.

Knowing the best fertilizer to use for your project and how to properly apply may seem trivial, but is vital for the health of the environment, animals, and even yourself. Fertilizers used in excess or carelessly placed onto pavement will run down into the storm sewer system after a rain or watering. The water doesn’t stop there, though; the storm sewer system empties into local streams, raising the nutrient concentration. With an excess of nutrients in streams, microorganisms and harmful algae can grow out of control, potentially causing a health issue for both humans and animals. Algal blooms deplete the water of oxygen, which can result in massive fish kills.

If you’re ever in doubt, seeking more information, or considering non-fertilizer options for your yard, the Master Gardeners Program through Oklahoma State University Extension Service is available to the public for advice. You can contact their Hotline at (918) 746-3701.

Leftover, old, used, or unused fertilizer can be brought to the Household Pollutant Collection Facility at 4502 S. Galveston Ave. on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 4:30 p.m. for proper disposal.

For more information visit:

City of Tulsa - Fertilizers

City of Tulsa - Household Pollutant Collection Facility

NDSU Extension - Fertilizers

Pick Up Pet Waste

Pet waste is one of the primary contributors to bacteria in urban watersheds. When pet waste is not picked up, it can be washed into storm drains which flow directly into Tulsa’s streams. The pathogens found in pet waste such as E. coli or Enterococcus threaten the health of humans, pets, and wildlife. Pet waste is also high in nutrients. When excess nutrients are present in waterbodies, the risk for the waterbody to have excessive algal growth increases.

To help prevent pet waste from entering our streams, city parks have pet waste bags and disposal stations available. You can find pet waste bags at our Save our Streams promotional booths at events in Tulsa. Picking up after your pet is a seemingly small action that can make a big difference in Tulsa’s streams!