Know Before You Mow
Grass clippings that are blown into the street enter storm drains andare carried directly to our local lakes, ponds and streams. Those clippings contribute nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae. Leaveyour grass clippings on your lawnand itwillprovide free fertilizer and reduce water pollution. Contrary to popular belief, doing so doesn’t cause thatch buildup. For more information on how to create a beautiful healthy yard the natural way, download our free 16-page Greenscapes Guide.
Distributed by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the Town of Hanover as part of public outreach mandated by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit, a 5-year permitjointly issued by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP): https://www.mass.gov/guides/municipal-compliance-fact-sheet-stormwater
Permits are authorized under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), created by 1972’s Clean Water Act