Hundreds of storm drains in Burnsville and Apple Valley are getting stenciled warnings asking folks to make sure nothing nasty goes down them.

The reason: Every time it rains, storm drains collect water running off roofs, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and roads. The water then drains directly into ponds and lakes, carrying pollutants such as lawn fertilizers, pet waste, garbage and oil leaked from cars.

Worse, officials say, pollutants are sometimes dumped right into the drains.

In Burnsville, a number of youth and civic groups — churches, scout troops, school volunteers and others — are donating time for the "storm drain stenciling" program.

Volunteers spray paint "Dump No Waste, Drains to Lake" next to drains.

It's a warning that everything sinking in goes straight to water bodies with no treatment or filtration.

This year, nine groups helped stencil more than 500 drains in Burnsville. They also handed out water quality education fliers.

The city is seeking additional participation next year. The city provides stencils, paint and other equipment.

Groups or individuals interested can contact the Natural Resources Department at 952-895-4543 or e-mail caleb.ashling@ci.burnsville.mn.us

Apple Valley has a similar program; if you're interested in that one, contact Jane Byron at jbyron@ci.apple-valley.mn.us or 952-953-2462.

Eagan

Used-stroller drive is aiding at-risk parents

A childbirth education center in Eagan is collecting used strollers today for at-risk mothers.

The strollers will be gathered between 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, during an open house at BabyLove, a childbirth education center at 4590 Scott Trail, Suite 102. The owner reports that they will go to community organizations and nonprofits that work with at-risk mothers.

Veronica Jacobsen said she was moved to do so after "having a mom come into my office who relied solely on public transportation to get around with her young daughter.

"Because she needed to walk to the bus stops, she used a stroller for her daughter. When I saw her, the stroller was very old and one of the wheels was almost completely broken.

"Since many people, myself included, end up with strollers we don't need sitting in our basements and garages, I'm hoping that this drive can get strollers into the hands of moms who need them."

She asks that strollers be clean and not recalled because of safety issues.

Jacobsen can be reached at veronica@babylovemn.com or 651-200-3343.

Eagan introduces online billing for utilities

Eagan has a new online billing service called e-Utility Billing.

Residents get the option to sign up for paperless billing and automatic payments, and can view billing history and usage history online.

There is a choice of paying bills online through an e-Utility Billing account or making a one-time credit card payment 24/7.

Register at https://eub.cityofeagan.com/Home.aspx

Officials say the benefits of paperless billing include:

• Avoiding mailing delays

• Viewing a bill, due date, account balance, billing history and usage history online anytime; and

• Saving time and postage. The service is free.

STAFF REPORTS