Scoop the Poop!
Supporting your local MS4 permit holders in Montgomery County VA
This StoryMap is brought to you by Virginia localities of Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg, Town of Christiansburg, and Virginia Tech. Each of those entities have a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
Each jurisdiction is an MS4 permit holder
The purpose of an MS4 Permit is to reduce pollutant loads into our streams and rivers.
Storm sewer systems discharge to surface waters
MS4 defined
Municipal: owned or run by a public entity (i.e. Montgomery County) -- Separate: not connected to sewer system that gets treated (such as what goes down the drain in our homes), but instead drains straight to streams and rivers -- Storm Sewer System: series of drains, pipes, and ditches that collect water from rain, snow, or ice melt
Let's look at two MS4 Permit requirements related to pollutants, including pet waste:
Much of our county's sewers eventually drain to the New River
- Outreach to inform the public about the actions they can take to improve water quality in our streams and rivers
- Take positive action to improve water quality
This Story Map will explain how bacteria can impact our waterways and how you can share actions you take to reduce pet waste bacteria by SCOOPING THE POOP! You will directly contribute to each MS4 program’s goal for public participation in watershed improvement by logging a location where you collect your pet’s waste.
First, let's learn about watersheds, where MS4 areas drain...
Watersheds & Impairments
Here is Montgomery County, Virginia. The two Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg are incorporated areas within the county. The two Towns, the County, and Virginia Tech all have their own MS4 permit and are responsible for their own drainage systems.
Now we see the watersheds of our area. A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water (i.e. an area that all drains to Tom's Creek). Notice the different colors; all watersheds of the same color are part of the same sub basin system. The western half of Montgomery County is part of the Upper New River sub basin, and the eastern side all shares the Upper Roanoke River destination. A very small northern portion of our county is part of the James River system.
Interact with the map: you can pan, zoom, or click on a watershed to see its name
Now let's take a look at our impaired stream segments. The red lines designate streams sections identified as having too much bacteria, E. coli to be more specific!
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is developed for impaired waters. These are like "pollution diets" that mandate reductions in pollutants that should lead to cleaner, unimpaired (a.k.a. healthy) waters.
Interact with the map: click on a stream segment to see its details
Impairment Cause: Pet Waste
Did You Know....?
One small dog produces about 0.75 lbs of waste containing 7.8 billion bacteria daily! Pet waste flows untreated directly into waterways if not disposed of properly.
Pets, children playing outside, and adults gardening are most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste. Diseases that can be transmitted from pet waste include the following...
Salmonellosis
the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humns 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.
[right]: The Centers for Disease Control provides information about all the above diseases and tips for a healthy coexistence with pets and other animals.
Bacteria impairments to local streams can present a health hazard to ourselves, children, pets, and livestock. Fishing and swimming opportunities can be impacted.
Montgomery County Public School 6th graders learning about fly fishing at a past Stormwater Education Day event.
What You Can Do
So what can you do to prevent bacteria in our waterways?
Pick up your pet's waste when you walk your animal or scoop up what they leave in your yard. You can tell us where you scoop the poop using this survey ! You can add a photo of your pet, your yard, or the place you walk your pet. We'll share where people are doing their part as a community in the next map. Note: we will not share any personal information you opt to include in the survey.
We're waiting for you to finish that survey!
You can see on the map where other residents have done their part to keep our watersheds healthy by scooping the poop, picking up litter, or planting native species. Did you do the survey above? After Montgomery County staff review your submission, your point will appear on this map too!
Pet Waste Stations
In some parts of the county, there are conveniently placed stations to dispose of your pet waste while you're out walking your dog. The Virginia Tech campus has quite a few places to drop off pet waste, and the Town of Blacksburg has several dog parks-- all of which include pet waste stations!
Are you interested to learn about other causes of water impairments besides pet waste? Keep scrolling to find out more...
Other Impairment Causes
So what are some sources of impairments? Most other sources of bacteria come from the following categories:
Failed Septic Systems and Pipes
This includes failed septic systems and "straight pipes" that directly discharge sewage to surface waters. The Environmental Protection Agency has various resources for homeowners with septic systems to learn how to keep their systems well maintained.
You can learn more about how septic systems work at the EPA website.
Direct Livestock
Livestock, including cows, hogs & pigs, sheep & lambs, and horses & ponies. Whereas indirect wildlife sources are those that are carried to the stream from surrounding land via rain and runoff events, direct sources are those that are directly deposited into the stream.
Cows are a common livestock found in Montgomery County.
Non-Point Source (Agricultural)
Agricultural sources of E. coli include land application of manure and biosolids to pastures and therefore considered an indirect source.
A tractor dispersing fertilizer.
Non-Point Source (Urban)
This is runoff that ultimately discharges through the MS4 area. E. coli flows via runoff into streams, and comes from pet waste, typically dogs and cats.
Direct Wildlife
Whereas indirect wildlife sources are those that are carried to the stream from the surrounding land via rain and runoff events, direct sources are those that are directly deposited into the stream. An example of wildlife serving as a direct source are those that live within close vicinity of the stream such as muskrat, geese, and beaver.
Learn more about each MS4 Program
For questions about this StoryMap or the MS4 program, contact us .
Thank you for your interest and participation!
Water supports us all!
