"Urbanization increases the variety and amount of pollutants carried into our nation's waters. In urban and suburban areas, much of the land surface is covered by buildings, pavement and compacted landscapes. These surfaces do not allow rain and snow melt to soak into the ground which greatly increases the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff. In addition to these habitat-destroying impacts, pollutants from urban runoff include:
- Sediment - Soils
- Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from motor vehicles
- Pesticides and nutrients from lawns and gardens
- Viruses, bacteria and nutrients from pet waste and failing septic systems
- Road salts
- Heavy metals from roof shingles, motor vehicles and other sources
- Thermal pollution from impervious surfaces such as streets and rooftops
These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking water, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant.
Rivers Alive Cleanup of Johns Creek Headwaters
The cleanup is scheduled for year round participation. You can clean the creek anytime of the year and get credit. Just email us the details. We can give a Rivers Alive t-shirt to all that turn in an email of area cleaned.
The cleanup section is Johns Creek from McGinnis Ferry north to Vaugn Lake in Raskarity community.
If you live along the creek or want to help contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Follow these guidelines when working in the creek:
Get permission to work the creek when it is on someone else's property. If in doubt ask us and we will help determine if you can access the creek at that location. Much of the creek is on private property so be sure before you enter the creek.
Debris must be disposed of properly. Most plain garbage can be disposed of through your normal garbage pickup. Larger items require trips to the land fill. If you need advice or help ask via email and someone will assist you.
Be careful and have a partner. Thousands of creekkeepers have no accidents so try to be one of them. Safety is your first priority when working in the creek. The sponsors of this event, the web site owners or Rivers Alive are not responsible for accidents and are not encouraging you to do dangerous activities. Some river debris can be dangerous like broken glass and metal pieces. Think safety first. Wear heavy duty shoes and use work gloves. Get help if needed.