Submitted by City of Olympia
Crews Battling Heavy Rain to Prevent Flooding
Olympia crews worked in the rain through the night clearing catch basins and storm drains of leaves, but with approximately 10,000 storm drains in Olympia, they could use your help! If it is safe to do so, use a garden rake or shovel and remove leaves and other debris from the storm drains near your home or business. Be sure you remove the leaves and debris off the street or they will just return during the next storm. Remember, safety first – if you feel it is unsafe, or there is severe flooding, please contact Public Works Emergency Dispatch for assistance.
City Ordinance in Effect:
- In September 2011, the Olympia City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting residents and business owners from sweeping, raking or blowing leaves into the street. Leaves, sand and other debris can clog storm drains and cause local flooding. Find out more about this ordinance on our website.
Options for Excess Leaves:
- Turn them into Compost: Put sustainability into action – use your leaves for compost or mulch around your plants. When properly used as mulch or compost, leaves provide an outstanding organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Get more information about composting on our website.
- Put them in Your Organics Cart: Put your leaves into your organics cart so they can be recycled and turned into rich reusable compost. Don’t have an organics cart? Call 360.753.8340 to sign up.
- Temporary Containers: Residents can request a temporary yard waste container from the City of Olympia for leaves and seasonal yard maintenance projects. For container pricing information contact 360.753.8368, option 2.
Need Assistance with Flooding?
- If flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the drain, please call Public Works Emergency Dispatch at 360.753.8333.
