Onondaga County Suburban Green Infrastructure...

Park Hill Green Infrastructure Improvements Town of DeWitt, New York

March 2012

Onondaga County Suburban Green Infrastructure Program

BASIS OF ENGINEERING DESIGN REPORT

BASIS OF ENGINEERING DESIGN REPORT

360° Engineering and Project Delivery Solutions

Onondaga County Suburban Green Infrastructure Program

Park Hill Green Infrastructure Improvements Town of DeWitt, New York

GARY D. CANNERELLI, P.E., VICE PRESIDENT O’Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.

March 2012

PARK HILL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS – BASIS OF ENGINEERING DESIGN REPORT

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Appendices.............................................................................................................................................................................i

ProjectNarrative......................................................................................................................................................................................1

GreenInfrastructureEnhancementPlan.......................................................................................................................................2

StormSewerInfiltration...................................................................................................................................................................2

RainBarrels............................................................................................................................................................................................3

TreePlantingProgram......................................................................................................................................................................4

Permits.........................................................................................................................................................................................................5

APPENDICES

A. Maps ParkHillReconstructionProject–PhasingPlan GeneralPlan SanitarySewerLayout Phase4&5DrainageAreaMap Phase4&5SoilsMap

B. SitePhotosC. ProjectCostEstimateD. OnondagaCountyRainBarrelProgram


1

PROJECT NARRATIVE

TheTownofDeWitthasauthorizedO’Brien&GeretoprepareaBasisofEngineeringDesignReporttoaccompanythefundingapplicationfortheOnondagaCounty’sSavetheRainSuburbanGreenInfrastructureProgram(SGIP).Thepurposeofthisreportistoidentifythegreeninfrastructurepracticesthatwillreducetheinfiltrationandinflow(I&I)tothesanitarysewersystemwithintheParkHillresidentialneighborhood.

ThegreaterParkHillareaisalargeresidentialneighborhoodwithagedinfrastructurebuiltcirca1916.ItisgenerallyboundedonthenorthbyKirkvilleRoad,onthewestbytheSouthBranchofLeyCreek,onthesouthbyJamesStreetandontheeastbyKinneStreet(seeGeneralPlaninAppendixAfortheprojectarea).ThesoilsintheneighborhoodareHSGC(seeNRCSsoilsmaplocatedinAppendixA).Theapproximately360homesintheneighborhoodareallconnectedtothesanitarysewersystem.ThesanitarysewersystemisshownontheGeneralSanitarySewerLayoutlocatedinAppendixA.TheTownisintheprocessofreconstructingmuchoftheinfrastructurewithintheoldersectionoftheParkHillneighborhoodincludingtheroads,stormsewers,andsidewalks.Theprojecthasbeendividedinto5phases,withPhases1‐3completed.Phase4constructionwillbeginthisspring(seePhasingPlaninAppendixA).AportionofthecapitalhascomefromOnondagaCountyCommunityDevelopmentfunding.

AsaretrofitwaterqualitymeasuretheTownhasbeeninstallingperforatedstormsewerpiping,laininafilterfabricwrappedstonebedding.Thisallowsstormwatertoinfiltrateintothesoilprovidingwaterqualitytreatmentandreducingtheamountofstormwaterthatreachestheendofthepipe.

AsstipulatedintheSGIP,theproposedgreeninfrastructuremustbelocatedonmunicipalproperty.Thetreeplantingandstormsewerarelocatedwithintheroadrights‐of‐way.Therainbarrelswouldbelocatedonprivateproperty,asallowedbyexceptionintheSGIP.ThesegreeninfrastructurepracticesjointheintentofgreeninfrastructurewiththegoalsoftheSGIP,astheintentofgreeninfrastructureistoreduceortreatstormwateratitssource,ratherthanattheendofthepipeandreducesrunoffthathasthepotentialforcontributingtosanitarysewerI&I.

ThestormsewerswillbeinstalledthisconstructionseasonalongNelsonAvenue(Phase4)andnextyearalongFrederickStreet(Phase5).TheTownwilldistributerainbarrelstointerestedhomeownerswithinthegreaterParkHillareathroughtheirrainbarrelprogrammodeledontheCountyRainBarrelProgram(seeAppendixD).Inanefforttoachievesignificantcommunitywideacceptance,theTownintendstocontractwithathirdparty,suchastheCentralNewYorkRegionalPlanningBoard(CNYRPB)toprovideanactivecommunityoutreach,educationanddemonstrationprogram.TheTownproposestocontractwithalandscapingcompanytoplanttreesorprovidetreestohomeownersforthemtoplantthemselvesorwithassistancefromthelandscapingcompany.

TheestimatedprojectcostforPhase4oftheParkHillNeighborhoodRevitalizationprojectis$500,000.TheestimatedprojectcostforPhase5oftheParkHillNeighborhoodRevitalizationprojectis$430,000.ThefundingapplicationforPhase5isunderreviewbyCommunityDevelopmentatthistime.ThecostestimatesfortheseprojectsisprovidedinAppendixC.

TheTownisrequesting$123,500toimplementtheParkHillGreenInfrastructureImprovements.ThisincludesthecostofinfiltrationstoneandadditionalfilterfabricforthestormsewersystemforPhases4and5oftheParkHillNeighborhoodRevitalizationprojectandthecostoftherainbarrelandtreeplantingprograms.DetailedinformationonthecostestimateisprovidedinAppendixC.


2

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT PLAN

TheTownofDeWittproposestousestormsewerinfiltration,rainbarrelsandtreeplantingforGreenInfrastructureEnhancementswithintheParkHillneighborhood.

STORM SEWER INFILTRATION

TheTownhasbeeninstallingperforatedstormsewersintheParkHillneighborhood.Thepipesarebeddedinawashedgravelperimeterandwrappedingeotextilefabrictoallowforinfiltration.Thevolumecontainedinthevoidsoftheunderdrainsysteminfiltratesintothesoils,bothincreasingthecapacityofthestormsewersystemandreducingstormwaterrunoffdischargingfromtheneighborhood.ThestormwaterrunofffromtheParkHillneighborhoodistributarytoLeyCreek.AsmuchofthisareaoftheTownistributarytoLeyCreek,therunofffromtheParkHillneighborhoodcontributestoconveyancecapacityproblemsfurtherdownstream.RemovingaportionofthisrunoffwillreducetheflowsbeingconveyedbyLeyCreek.Also,byincreasingthecapacityofthestormsewersystemtheamountofoverlandrunoffthatcouldpotentiallyenterthesanitarysewersystemthroughmanholecoversintheroadsisreduced.

Approximately2,000l.f.ofstormsewerwillbeinstalledforPhase4andPhase5oftheproject.Thoughtheentirelengthofstormsewerwillbeperforatedandbeddedinthemannerdescribed,only1600l.f.arebeingconsideredinthestoragevolumecalculation,asapproximately400l.f.willbeinstalledatagreaterthan5%slope,whichexceedsthemaximumsloperecommendationsasstatedintheNYSStormwaterDesignManual.

39.5rainfalls/yearx4790gallonscaptured/rainfall=189,205gallonscaptured/year

StormSewerInfiltrationfor12”perforatedstormpipe

Infiltration/StorageAreabelowbottomofpipe:

LengthStormSewer=1600l.f.

DrainageArea=6inx2ft=1s.f.

VolumeDrainageLayer=

1600ftx1s.f.x0.4porosityfactor=640c.f.

TotalPotentialCapture=640c.f.=4790gallons


3

RAIN BARRELS

TheTownproposestopurchaserainbarrelsforinterestedresidentsofthegreaterParkHillneighborhoodtoprovidecatchmentforrooftoprunofffromtheirhomesthatcanlaterbeusedforlawnandlandscapingwateringorcarwashing.

InadditiontoreducingrunoffthathasthepotentialforI&I,rainbarrelscanalsoprovidethefollowingbenefits:

Reducedstormwaterrunoffenteringthedrainagesystemincludingdelayedand/orreducedpeakrunoffflowrates

Reducedtransportofpollutantsassociatedwithatmosphericdepositiononrooftopsintoreceivingwaters

Reducedwaterconsumptionfornon‐potableuses,whichultimatelyreducesthedemandonmunicipalwatersystems.

Thereareapproximately360homesinthegreaterParkHillarea.Itisproposedtoprovidetworainbarrelsforeachinterestedhomeownerwithintheneighborhoodforplacementattwodifferentdownspoutstocapturethemaximumroofareapossible.Eachrainbarrelcaptures50gallonsofroofrunoff.Eachhomewouldcapture100gallonsofroofrunoffperstorm.Thegoalistoachieve50%participationandtheTownwouldliketopurchase360rainbarrelsfor180homes.Iftheprogramprovessuccessful,theTownwillpurchaseadditionalrainbarrels.

PerinformationprovidedbytheCountyithasbeenassumedthatwith39.5raineventsperyearand180homesparticipatingintherainbarrelprogram,that197,500gallonsofroofrunoffarecapturedperyearbytheuseofrainbarrelsin50%oftheneighborhoodhomes.

39.5rainfalls/yearx18,000gallonscaptured/rainfall=711,000gallonscaptured/yearbyrainbarrels


4

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

TheTownisproposingtoplant100treesinthegreaterParkHillarea.InadditiontoreducingstormwaterrunoffthathasthepotentialforcontributingtotheI&Itothesanitarysewersystem,treeplantingalsopromotesevapotranspiration,increasesnutrientuptake,providesshadingandthermalreductionandencourageswildlifehabitat.

TheTownofDeWitthasacommittedteamofexperiencedprofessionalstoprovideguidanceforthesmartplantingoftreeswithintheTown.MembersoftheTreeCommitteeincludealandscapedesigner,nurseryowner,CommunitiesStewards,botanistsandanurbanforestryresearchscientist.TheTreeCommitteewillleaflettheneighborhoodaskinghomeownersiftheywouldliketreesfortheright‐of‐wayareainfrontoftheirhomes.

Alongwithreducingstormwaterrunoff,theTownwouldliketoeducatehomeownersabouthowtheirlandscapingpracticesaffecttheenvironmentaroundthemandhowthisspecificallyaffectsOnondagaLake.Homeownerswillbegiveninformationonvariousalternativesforpreventingnon‐pointsourcepollution.Theywillbeencouragedtotakeactiontoimprovehabitatforbirdsandotherwildlifeandtotakestepstopreventnon‐pointsourcepollution.

SPECIESLIST

Tree Caliper – 2” to 2 ½”

Forspaceswithnooverheadwires:

Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis

Sugar maple, Acer saccharum (the species, not a specified cultivar)

Red maple, Acer rubrum 'October Glory'

Red oak, Quercus rubra (species),

For spaces below overhead wires:

Hawthorn Crataegus viridis 'winter king'

Serviceberry, Amelanchier x laevis 'Cumulus'

Eastern redbud,/ Cercis Canadensis


5

TheNewYorkStateStormwaterDesignManualallowsanimperviousareareductionof100s.f.pernewlyplantedtree.Beingconservative,wecanassume10%oftherainfallwithinthe100s.f.treefootprintwillbecapturedbyevapotranspiration.

Thetotalcaptureperyearprovidedbythestormsewerinfiltration,therainbarrelprogramandthetreeplantingprogramis:

189,205gallons+711,000gallons+23,700gallons=923,905gallonscapturedperyear

PERMITS

Theinstallationofthestormsewerswillrequiretwopermits.ACountyHighwayWorkPermitisrequiredforworkwithintheright‐of‐wayofKinneStreet.ThishasbeenobtainedforworkalongNelsonAvenue.AnapplicationtotheOnondagaCountyDepartmentofTransportationwillbemadefortheworkalongFrederickStreetnextyear.TheTownhasreceivedaSPDESGeneralPermitforStormwaterDischargesfromConstructionActivityfromtheNYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationforthephasedreconstructionprojectintheParkHillproperarea.

Nopermitsorapprovalsarerequiredfortheimplementationoftherainbarrelortreeplantingprograms.

10%[100s.f.x1‐inchrainfall]=0.83c.f.=6gallonspertree/rainfall

100treesx6gallons/tree=600gallons

600gallons/rainfallx39.5rainfalls/year=23,700gallons/yearcapture

PARK HILL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS│APPENDIX A


Appendix A

Park Hill Phasing Plan

General Plan

Sanitary Sewer Layout

Phase 4 & 5 Drainage Area Map

Phase 4 & 5 Soils Map

COURT

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SHENRIETTAWEST

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AVENUEBEARD

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ST.

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UE

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LEAV

E.

NELSON

STREETBENNETT

CUTLER STREET

AVON STREET

MACONI

TUCKER

JONES

FREDERICK

AVENUE

WEST

MANLIUSSTREET

WEST

ST.

TERRACESTREET

ELLIS

WEST

STREETYATES

WEST

WEST HEMAN STREET

WEST IRVING STREET

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200 0 200 400 600100

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³TOWN OF DEWITT

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK

PARK HILL NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATIONPHASING MAP

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LEGEND

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

VILLAGE OF EAST SYRACUSE

TOWN OF DEWITT

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

PHASE 5

PARK HILL AREA

SITE LOCATION

KEY MAPTOWN OF DEWITT

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SOUTH BRANCH

2012 © O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.

2012 © O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.

Nelson Ave

Frederick St

Kinne St

Roby Ave

Highland Ave

James St

Jones Ave

OgB

OnC

411960

411960

412000

412000

412040

412040

412080

412080

412120

412120

412160

412160

412200

412200

412240

412240

412280

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0 200 400 600100Feet

0 50 100 15025Meters

43° 4' 20''

76° 4

' 36''

43° 4' 12''

76° 4

' 35''

43° 4' 12''

43° 4' 20''76

° 4' 5

2''76

° 4' 5

3''

Map Scale: 1:1,830 if printed on A size (8.5" x 11") sheet.

Hydrologic Soil Group—Onondaga County, New York(Appendix A - Soils Map)

Natural ResourcesNatural ResourcesNatural ResourcesNatural ResourcesConservation ServiceConservation ServiceConservation ServiceConservation Service

Web Soil SurveyNational Cooperative Soil Survey

3/15/2012Page 1 of 4

FiorelCC

Text Box

Figure 5

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION

Area of Interest (AOI)Area of Interest (AOI)

SoilsSoil Map Units

Soil RatingsA

A/D

B

B/D

C

C/D

D

Not rated or not available

Political FeaturesCities

Water FeaturesStreams and Canals

TransportationRails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads

Map Scale: 1:1,830 if printed on A size (8.5" × 11") sheet.

The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:20,000.

Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can causemisunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil lineplacement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrastingsoils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for accurate mapmeasurements.

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWeb Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.govCoordinate System: UTM Zone 18N NAD83

This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as ofthe version date(s) listed below.

Soil Survey Area: Onondaga County, New YorkSurvey Area Data: Version 6, Dec 20, 2011

Date(s) aerial images were photographed: 7/14/2006

The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines werecompiled and digitized probably differs from the backgroundimagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shiftingof map unit boundaries may be evident.

Hydrologic Soil Group–Onondaga County, New York(Appendix A - Soils Map)

Natural ResourcesConservation Service


3/15/2012Page 2 of 4

Hydrologic Soil Group

Hydrologic Soil Group— Summary by Map Unit — Onondaga County, New York (NY067)

Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

OgB Ontario loam, 2 to 8 percentslopes

C 7.0 71.3%

OnC Ontario gravelly loam, 8 to 15percent slopes

C 2.8 28.7%

Totals for Area of Interest 9.8 100.0%

Description

Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils areassigned to one of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when thesoils are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitationfrom long-duration storms.

The soils in the United States are assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D) andthree dual classes (A/D, B/D, and C/D). The groups are defined as follows:

Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughlywet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands orgravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.

Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. Theseconsist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drainedsoils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soilshave a moderate rate of water transmission.

Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consistchiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water orsoils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of watertransmission.

Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) whenthoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swellpotential, soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layerat or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material.These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission.

If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter isfor drained areas and the second is for undrained areas. Only the soils that in theirnatural condition are in group D are assigned to dual classes.

Rating Options

Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition

Hydrologic Soil Group–Onondaga County, New York Appendix A - Soils Map

Natural ResourcesConservation Service


3/15/2012Page 3 of 4

PARK HILL STORM GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS│APPENDIX B


Appendix B

Site Photos


Frederick Street looking west from N. Highland Avenue

Frederick Street looking east from N. Highland Avenue


Nelson Avenue looking east from N. Highland Avenue

N. Highland Avenue looking north from Frederick Street

PARK HILL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS│APPENDIX C


Appendix C

Project Cost Estimate

Appendix CTown of DeWitt

Park Hill Green Infrastructure ImprovementsCost Estimate

3/29/2012

Task Unit Quantity Unit Cost Total

Storm Sewer Infiltration Bedding (2000 l.f.)Stone Bedding - 2 ft. deep SY 444 $25 $11,100Filter Fabric SY 800 $2 $1,600

$12,700

Rain BarrelsRain Barrels EA 360 $110 $39,600Diverters EA 360 $45 $16,200Educational, Administrative and Engineering LS 1 $25,000 $25,000

$80,800

Tree Planting Program2"- 2.5" Caliper Tree (including installation) EA 100 $300 $30,000

$30,000

Total $123,500

ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNITS UNIT PRICE COSTA DEMOLITION WORK

1 Remove pavement & granular base 1380 lf $20.00 $27,600.00 2 Remove asphalt/concr. sidewalks 2600 lf $5.00 $13,000.00 3 Relocate misc.items (Hydrants, signs, utility poles, etc.) 1 ls $5,000.00 $5,000.00

B SITE DEVELOPMENT WORK1 Pavement Reconstruction (incl. an allowance for Cuts & Fills) 1380 lf $60.00 $82,800.00 3 Granite Curbing 2600 lf $30.00 $78,000.00 4 4' Wide Concrete Sidewalk 2600 lf $32.00 $83,200.00 5 Topsoil, seed, and fertilize disturbed areas (Site Restoration) 21,000 sf $1.50 $31,500.00

C UTILITY WORK1 Drainage

a. Rain Barrels 50 ea $150.00 $7,500.00 b. 12" Storm sewer 650 lf $30.00 $19,500.00 c. 15" Storm sewer 650 lf $35.00 $22,750.00 d. Catch basin/storm MH 15 ea $1,500.00 $22,500.00

Total $393,350.00 5% Contingency $19,667.50

Construction Cost $413,000.00 20% Eng., Legal, & Misc. $82,600.00

Total Project Cost $495,600.00 SAY $500,000.00

File:123/337643/1/2010

MSK

PARK HILL NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION - PHASE 4 TOWN OF DEWITT

NORTH HIGHLAND AVE (Nelson Avenue to Frederick Street)NELSON AVENUE (Roby Ave east to Kinne Street)

COST ESTIMATE

i:\div09\projects\0123\33764\Phase2\cdapp\Cost_Estimate_2-2010.xls

PARK HILL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS│APPENDIX D


Appendix D

Model Project

Onondaga County’s Rain Barrel Program

650 Hiawatha Boulevard West Syracuse, New York 13204

Phone (315) 435-2260

Rain Barrel Installation and Maintenance

Thank you for participating in Onondaga County’s Rain Barrel Program and helping to

What you will get:Rain barrel kit (rain barrel, spigot, and screen)Diverter kit

Tools you will need:PencilScrew driver Hack sawRuler or tape measureDrill with 1" diameter bitLevel (recommended)

Recommended safety equipment:GlovesSafety glasses

Optional/recommended accessories:Concrete blocks for the rain barrel to sit onStandard or soaker hose Rain gutter splash block for overflow

Rain barrel diverter kit

Tips for success:• Roll out the Barrel in spring. Wait until after the last frost (usually in mid-May for

Central New York) to install your rain barrel.• Find the Right Rooftop and Downspout. Choose a down spout that is close to the area

where you want to use the water.• Remember Gravity. Your rain barrel will work best if it is slightly uphill of the area

where you want to use the water. It is recommended that your barrel be elevated off theground with cinder blocks to ensure good water pressure from the barrel.

• Know Your Ground. Make sure the ground beneath the selected downspout is solid andlevel. When filled, the rain barrel will weigh about 400 pounds and you don't want it totip over. Gravel, wooden boards or concrete slabs can be used to create a firm basebeneath the rain barrel.

Installing Your Rain Barrel:

Unwrap the packaging and remove the screen and spigot from inside the rainbarrel.

Wrap the threads of the spigot with the supplied Teflon tape and then screw thespigot onto the barrel until the hex-shaped face touches the barrel. Adjust thespigot to a useful position.

If using the rain barrel diverter (recommended if you have rain gutters):• Use a hack saw to cut one of the nubs off the side of the rain barrel.• Enlarge the opening with a one inch drill bit or a round file.• Place a grommet from the diverter kit into the enlarged opening.• Remove any bits of plastic that may have fallen into the rain barrel• The screen for the top of the rain barrel fits rather loosely. It is

recommended that you secure it with screws or another suitable method.

Raise the rain barrel by placing it on concrete blocks. This will allow the waterto drain better and also raise the barrel up so that a watering can may be placedunder the spigot.

Install the diverter according to the instructions included in the box.IMPORTANT: The outlet of the diverter should be at the same height as theinlet of the rain barrel to ensure that the rain barrel does not overflow. Theincluded diverter kit fits either 2"x3" or 3"x4" downspouts.

Connect the included hose from the diverter to the rain barrel. Trim the hoselength if needed.

When re-installing the rain barrel in the spring, be sure the rain barrel andhoses are clean and do not leak.

Installed spigot

The “nub”

Diverter

Using Your Rain Barrel:

After it rains, let it drain!

Having an empty rain barrel will allow you to catch even more rain in the next rainstorm.

If your rain barrel is already filled to capacity when it rains, all of the new rain will overflow outof the barrel. Although having a full rain barrel at the start of a new rain storm is not a problem,you'll be able to capture a greater proportion of the rainwater that falls on the rooftop and makegood us of it around your lawn and garden if you have emptied your barrel ahead of time.

Only keep your rain barrel filled when a period of dry weather is expected.

Let the Water Soak In:

A great way to use the water in your rain barrel is to attach a soaker hose to the outlet spigot atthe bottom of your barrel. Soaker hoses have tiny holes that slowly release water. This is a greatway to gradually empty your rain barrel and water your garden when you know you will be awayfrom home for a few days. Soaker hoses can be purchased at local hardware or garden supplystores.

Do Not Drink Rain Barrel Water:

The water you catch in your rain barrel should not be consumed by humans or pets and shouldonly be used to water lawns and gardens. Although your rain barrel is made of plastic, bacteriaand other chemicals may still enter from the rooftop into the water. While rain barrels are used inother countries as a source of drinking water, they are equipped with filtration devices to makethe water safe for human consumption.

Use Caution When Using Rain Water in Vegetable Gardens:

Studies have shown that harmful chemicals may leach from the following rooftop materials:

• Treated cedar shakes• New wood shingles• Asphalt shingles• Copper• Rooftops treated with chemicals to prevent algae/lichen./moss growth• Rooftops treated with chromate copper arsenate• Gutters containing lead solder or lead- based paint

Check your rooftop materials before watering your vegetable garden with water collected in arain barrel.

Rain Barrel Maintenance:

Make sure the screen is always tightly secured sothat no mosquitoes, rodents or debris gets inside. Patch any holes in the mesh screen..

Look inside the barrel: Algae growth and pollendeposits inside the barrel are normal. If the algae orpollen are bothersome to you, clean out the barrel.

Cleaning: Unless a lot of debris is collecting insideyour rain barrel or there is bothersome algae growth,a rain barrel really only needs to be cleaned when itis brought inside for the winter or before it isreinstalled in the spring. To clean your rain barrel,use vinegar or soap and water and spray it out withyour hose.

Overflow: if you are home during a storm, gooutside to check that water is being diverted awayfrom the house and that the barrel is not overflowing.If you notice your rain barrel is always over flowingit may be a sign that the rooftop being drained fromthe down-spout is yielding too much water for thebarrel to handle, or, perhaps that the rain barreldiverter has been installed too high. If the overflowing barrel becomes a problem, reinstall thebarrel onto a smaller section of rooftop or add a second or third rain barrel.

Leaks: Check all hose and spigot connections for leaks. Use plumbing Goop to seal any leaksfrom hardware on the barrel.

Winter Storage: The first frost in Central New York is in early to mid-October, so disconnectionthe barrel in October can prevent any water from freezing inside. The barrel must bedisconnected over the wintertime so that ice doesn't form inside where it could expand and crackthe barrel. If possible, store the barrel indoors. If you must leave the barrel outside, remove thehoses, open the spigots and turn it upside down to allow any water to drain out. Leave the hoseconnected to the rain barrel diverter, but point it upwards and attach it to the downspout with zipties. Water should not come out of the hose from the diverter if it is secured in an uprightposition.

Questions? Call (315) 435-2260 or visit www.ongov.net/savetherain

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