The challenges of stormwater and flood risks plague each citizen of East Baton Rouge (EBR) Parish. While there are several efforts underway to reduce these flood risks, each resident has a part to play and here are some ways that you can assist in the process.

Litter, Leaves, Grass, Oh My!

Litter poses a significant problem for our stormwater management systems. Litter is not just trash, but it can be appliances, furniture, leaves, and/or grass clippings. The average household in EBR produces approximately 2,000 pounds of yard waste a year.

When trash is not properly discarded and left in yards and on roadways, it flows into the drainage system during a rain event. When large amounts of trash build up, it reduces and/or blocks stormwater from flowing through the system. This causes black flow into the streets and may cause channels to overflow.  Anything that flows into the system that is not water can lead to problems.

Discard of trash in the proper places.

Household Hazardous Materials: Some household products, such as paints, petroleum-based items, poisons, cleaners, and batteries, can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them as they can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances. Improper disposal of such items can include pouring them down toilets or sinks, on the ground, into storm drains, or in some cases, putting them out with the regular trash. Learn when and how you can dispose of hazardous household materials.

Bag your leaves and grass clippings.

Do not blow them into the street or drainage system. Read about Yard Smart for more details

Dispose of your bulky items appropriately!

Stoves, washers, refrigerators and other large appliances and up to 4 automobile tires, are collected once a week during routine garbage collection. Make sure your items are placed correctly on the curb. See here for Collection times.

 

 

Old tires can also be disposed, for a disposal fee, at your local tire store or at Environmental Industries Recycling, Inc., 7122 Hwy 190 W, Port Allen, Louisiana 70767. More about tire disposal in EBR. You can report illegally dumped tires to the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Hotline at (225) 219-3640.

Larger items that are not picked up during your weekly collection can also be dropped off at North Landfill, 16001 Samuels Road, Zachary, LA 70791. More information on drop-off times and contact information.

Rain Barrels, French Drains, Gutters

There are several ways you can manage stormwater around your home.

Drain Barrels

Rain barrels capture and store the rain that can be used later and/or slowly released over time. This helps the water from overwhelming the capacity of the system.

 

French Drains

French drain systems are effective because, unlike typical surface drains, they collect water over the entire length of the drain as opposed to one dedicated area.

 

House Gutters

House gutters work by diverting stormwater away from the house and your foundation. When they outlet onto pervious (earthen) surfaces, they capture and slow the rain from entering the drainage system at a rapid pace.