CIGARETTE BUTT / BEACH LITTER CAMPAIGN
The Superior Watershed Partnership, The Marquette City Police Department and the Marquette County Health Department are working together to educate the public about the link between storm drains and beach litter.
Did you know that when you flick your butt out the window it will more than likely end up on one of Marquette's beautiful beaches? Here's what happens. Underneath the ground throughout the entire City are a system of storm sewer pipes. They receive rain water and other debris from the storm drains along the curbs. Anytime it rains whatever is on the surface of the pavement flows into the drains. There are a series of outfalls into Lake Superior where the storm drain deposits all the rain and debris. Cigarette butts travel through these pipes and into Lake Superior through these outfalls.
Why should you care? First of all, flicking butts out your car window is illegal. Second, these butts enter Lake Superior from the outfalls and then wash back onto shore littering our beaches. Finally, these butts enter the Lake and float on the surface of the water. Fish often will mistake the butts for food. Since the filters aren't digestible, these butts get stuck in the fishes system causing potential physiological damage.
In short.....don't flick it. If you flick it, you'll get a ticket.
Click here for the Cigarette Butt Campaign Brochure.
