Environmental Concerns

Illegal Dumping & Pollution

Storm water runoff that enters the storm sewer conveys directly into our creeks, streams, and rivers untreated. It is illegal to dump anything into storm sewers and it is vital to keep it as free from pollution as possible.
 
Other concerns for storm water pollution include trash and household chemicals that are picked up as storm water conveys from land to stream. Trash concerns include cigarette butts, Styrofoam, plastic bags, bottles, food wrappers, etc. Household Chemicals include motor oils, gasoline or anti-freeze that accumulates on pavements, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and pet waste.
 
 These pollutants have serious consequences on the environment here and downstream.
 
 Other Environmental issues include:
 

Erosion Control

Construction projects that involve grading, excavating, or any other modification to previously undisturbed soils are a major source of storm water pollution.
 
Per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website, "Owners or operators of any project or combination of projects who engage in construction activities which will disturb one (1) or more acres must have authorization to discharge storm water under the Storm water Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit S-MCST-0312-1. Construction activities consist of any activity (e.g. clearing, grubbing, excavating, and grading) which disturb a cumulative total of one (1.0) or more acres or when the site is a part of a larger common plan of development or sale which will disturb a cumulative total of one or more acres"

Sanitary Sewer Inflows

City Code states that storm water from roofs, paved areas, yards, courts, air-conditioning units, foundation drains (sump pumps), and all other unpolluted drainage or industrial process waters, shall not be allowed to drain or run into sanitary sewers, but shall drain or be discharge into storm sewers or to available natural water courses or outlets.
 
Illegal connections to the wastewater collection system may cause the system to overflow, causing sewer backups into neighboring homes and adding to the cost of sewage treatment.

Flood Safety

Floodplain

 There are currently no FEMA designated floodplains in Phillipsburg.
 
 However, heavy or prolonged rainfall events can cause local flooding in streets, streams, and culverts.
 
 It it very important to remember to never drive or walk into flooded areas whether in a street or stream.

Lawn Clippings and Leaves

It is a violation of the City Code of the City of Phillipsburg to discharge lawn clippings and leaves into the street. Residents who violate this ordinance may be served with a health nuisance violation.
 
The discharge of clippings and leaves cause blockages of storm sewer inlets and local flooding in the streets.