Protect storm water drains from falling leaves this autumn Published Oct. 7, 2010 By Lana Hedlund 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Engineer MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The fall colors are present at Malmstrom and in the Great Falls area. Brilliant orange, red and mustard leaves will have homeowners out raking soon. Be mindful where leaves are raked. It can be tempting to rake leaves to the street, assuming they will wash away. Some people even take leaves to the nearest storm drain. The bad news: Strom drams provide no filters and no treatment and can empty directly into main bodies of water such as the Missouri River. Leaves, like anything that enters a storm drain, either wash directly into the river or end up clogging the storm drain system. Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen stationed here should be environmentally aware. Bag leaves whenever possible. Never rake leaves or any lawn debris onto a paved surface or toward a storm drain. Other useful tips Use a commercial car wash and minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain. Check your car, truck, boat, motorcycle and other equipment for leaks or spills, and make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent product. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.