Scoop that poop!

There are many different problems that can affect the quality of our waterways, but one of the most common/most preventable is right under our noses! (Let me rephrase that, and I'll get back to you). It's pet waste.

Bob Schulz (Stream Team Biologist, Ozark Region) says "Pet waste, especially from dogs, is a significant pollution problem and health problem. Some of the pathogens and parasites in their waste can affect humans, so the disposal method needs to safeguard human health, as well as guard against water pollution."

According to a recent USGS study of streams and creeks in the Kansas City region, bacteria associated with pet waste was the source of approximately one quarter of the bacteria in samples collected from local waterways!

But how does pet waste get into the river in the first place? you ask. Well, lets say you walk your dog and he does his "business" by the curb, that stuff is going to wash right down the gutter, into the storm drain, straight into the James River (or whatever waterway your storm drains empty to. Here in this area, it's the James).

Even if the waste is up in the yard, a good rain can wash it into the storm drain, bit by bit. Multiply this by the number of incidences of dog excrement, then multiply that with the number of dogs in the area, and soon you have a whole lot of untreated fecal waste entering our waterways.

And, as Bob mentioned, there is a lot of badness in pet waste. Bacteria and viruses and parasites. Leave it to wash into the river, and it becomes part of the water. Elevated levels of these things can create an environment unsuitable for recreation.

Here, look at these:

• Salmonellosis: the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans by other animals. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Toxocariasis: roundworms usually transmitted from dogs to humans, often without noticeable symptoms, but may cause vision loss, a rash, fever or cough.
• Toxoplasmosis: a parasite carried by cats that can cause birth defects if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, and can also be a problem for people with depressed immune systems.
  

This just a partial list. The pet waste also feeds the algae, which then absorbs more of the oxygen, choking out the fish and other aquatic animals.

So, to keep it out of the water, dispose of it. Here are some suggestions:

1. Scoop it up, seal it in a plastic bag, and toss it in your trash. Admittedly, this is the least green option, but it is convenient and safe for you, and a way to reuse those plastic bags one last time. Be sure to seal the bag shut so your trash collectors are not exposed to the waste.
2. Scoop it into a 'flushable' bag, then flush when you get home. Unlike the storm water, the water from your toilet goes to a sewage treatment plant. (NOTE: Biodegradable is not the same as flushable, so check to make sure you have the right kind if you are planning to flush it)
3. Create a doggie septic system, if you are feeling really inspired. It isn't as hard as it you might think: http://www.plantea.com/dog-waste-compost.htm
4. Bury it. 6-12 inches seems to be the going depth. Much like the doggie septic system, this will allow the natural break down of the waste into the soil, not the storm water runoff, and the harmful bacteria will be neutralized.

When dealing with pet waste, keep in mind that it can be dangerous stuff and act with all due care. Do not bury it near or use it for your vegetable garden. Minimize your contact with the waste. Wash your hands afterwards.

Some people may try to use a traditional composting method for non-food producing gardens, but this can be risky, as these types of compost piles may require more maintenence/more contact, thus increasing your exposure to potential diseases.

Of course, its up to you. Choose the method that works best for you, but please, scoop up that poop.

Storm Water

Did you know that storm water, the water that runs off the street and down the gutters, that water goes straight to our river? Yep.

Many people believe that water runs to a treatment plant. I thought it did. But it doesn't.

The thing is, if someone believes the water gets treated somewhere, they might also think it is a good place to get rid of household chemicals, pet waste or used oil. They might not worry about what effect their action will have, and assume it is being handled.

It isn't.

But there is something you can do! By placing a small sign permanently on the storm drain, you alert people to the fact that this water goes directly to the James River. Walkers will see your handiwork and say to themselves "Hmm, I had no idea this water went straight to the James. I thought it was a sewer, as in, to the sewage plant. Interesting."


If you want to help, here's how. Look around your neighborhood for storm drains in need of markers (which is, they don't have one already). Let us know how many storm drains you think you'd like to mark. We will compile a kit for you with everything you'll need to do your own marking, as well as step-by-step instructions. It's simple, fast, and you'll feel good knowing your action may have kept a little pollution out of the James.

If you're interested, please call the office, or send an email. We'll hook you up!

marinacannon@missouristate.edu

Invitation

You are cordially invited to join our Stream Team.
Watch for posts about different stream monitoring events, then come join us. It will be fun and rewarding.

If you would like to learn more about stream teams, visit: http://www.mostreamteam.org

If you would like to know more about the James River Basin Partnership, visit: http://www.jrbp.missouristate.edu/
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter, while you’re there. You can get the electronic version in your email!

If you have any Stream Team questions, call us (417) 836-3756 or (417) 836-8879

Introducing... Stream Team Flexi

Stream teams do so much good for the community. They pick up litter, monitor the water, and generally keep an eye on things. Because they send in their data, there is a constant record of the conditions at each location, problems can be spotted early on, and corrected before it becomes a major water issue, thanks to the work of these dedicated volunteers.

Many people start their own team, either with friends or family. Maybe there's a favorite fishing hole, or a place where family always meets for picnics, the portion of the stream that a team adopts is up to them. They may just pick up the litter that they see, or they may go further and attend training in water quality monitoring.

At the James River Basin Partnership, we have our own Stream Team. We are trained to level 2 (well, Tiff is. I am just at level 1, at the moment.) Periodically, we go out to our four sites and monitor them. Sometimes we check the invertebrates or test for chemicals, sometimes we pick up litter. But up until now, we've been doing it on our own. Then someone had this great idea to let ANYONE join in. To be a member of our team, all you have to do is show up. You don't need any prior training, just an interest in the water and a willingness to help.

We welcome you to join our team, whether it is for a single visit, a refresher course for your own team, or if you just want to be part of our gang. It will be interesting, fun, and always, an adventure.