I was to an Audubon meeting in April and a speaker was there said that is guided by state guidelines and all.
I was speechless when I head about Western states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, etc.) that are using satellites to calculate how many square feet of impervious surfaces is on a property. For example, roofing, sidewalks, paved areas, shed roofs, etc. The calculations then sent to local municipalities to tax people extra on their property taxes for runoff.
Runoff is not treated and it consists of fertilizer on lawns, pesticides, nitrogen from grass clippings. It goes into storm drains and pollutes all fresh water like streams, creeks, etc.
I asked a representative about this and they said they had not heard of it coming here, but if it works out there, it could come here.
This is awful, as taxes are high enough.
To alleviate this problem it was suggested people use rain barrels. The gardener said it hooks up to spoutings and use it to water plants and veggies.
Also, make a rain garden. A 15 x 15 foot one takes care of 30 percent of 65 square feet of impervious surfaces.
A garden needs good soil and should be located 15 feet from any building, and, better yet, on a down slope to catch water.
I know if a couple states try something, usually the rest all follow like a bunch of ducks. So, heads up, people. Watch Harrisburg and the laws it puts on the floor to be voted on.
The local state agriculture department has a wealth of good, timely information we all can use and is usually ahead of the curve on a lot of things.
The master gardener who spoke last month really did their homework really well and will help anyone put together a rain barrel - plastic ones that have had food in them before.
Stephanie Crayton
South Williamsport
