Title
Resolution in Support of Ann Arbor's Current Compost-Bin Leaf Collection Program
Staff
Prepared by Melissa Stults, Environmental Commissioner
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Ann Arbor has invested a significant amount of financial and human resources working to protect and enhance local and regional water quality; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Ann Arbor show high levels of support for improving and maintaining the area's water bodies; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the City of Ann Arbor switched from street leaf pickup to pickup of leaves in compost carts and bags, due in part to the reality that the majority of material that enters the storm drains flows directly into local streams or rivers; and
WHEREAS, the City's previous method of leaf collection, street leaf collection, is known to frequently lead to blocked or clogged stormwater inlets which can cause localized flooding and damage to streets, driveways, yards, and property; and
WHEREAS, clogged stormwater inlets and localized flooding necessitate additional staff time and financial resources to clear blockages, fixed clogged drains, and perform other requisite maintenance; and
WHEREAS, street leaf collection has been associated with a number of safety concerns, including icy road conditions when leaf collection coincides with wet and cold weather, increased risk of fire during dry periods, use of bike lanes as temporary locations for leaves; and
WHEREAS, street leaf collection, has been known to increase the amount of debris and litter that enters the stormwater system, and potentially the Huron River; and
WHEREAS, decomposing leaf litter within streams and rivers adds organic matter into the water that reduce the amount of oxygen available to fish and other aquatic life while increasing the amount of phosphorus, thus accelerating algae growth which can further degrade water quality and inhibit recreational uses of our waterways; and
WHEREAS, alternative leaf collection such as...
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