EW! Buckets of waste pulled from creek after dog owners toss bags in drains

ATLANTA — A nasty habit could be impacting wildlife at one creek in Buckhead.

The stormwater from this week went into creeks all over north Georgia, where fish and lots of other critters live.

It's not the place for plastic bags full of dog waste.

However, around Buckhead, after some people pick up after their pets, they're tossing the loaded waste bags into the storm drains.

George Alderete said it gives all dog owners a bad name and it needs to stop.

"Don't be lazy. Don't be lazy and take a few more steps and go make that extra move and do it," Alderete said.

During a downpour, the bags get washed into local creeks like Buckhead Branch.

Last week, the grounds crew at the Atlanta History Center pulled four buckets full of waste out of the water.

"If there was something on that storm drain that said, 'Draws directly to creek' or had a logo of a fish or something, that gets the message across that this is not going to a sewage treatment plant. This is going straight to a waterway,” vice president of gardens Sarah Roberts said.

Roberts said they're working with the city of Atlanta to spread the word.

This isn't the only place this has happened.

There are lots of storm drains flowing into lots of creeks -- with lots of “doggy waste bags” in them.

Eva Soyah said people ought to know better.

“To me, it’s common sense that it’s not OK. The water will end up somewhere,” Soyah said.

The history center hopes it can help launch a citywide campaign.

Cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and many in Florida have painted or stamped the message on the manhole covers.

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