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Published: October 14, 2009
Q. A bus-stop shelter and trash can have been removed from the corner of Queen and Miller streets. A long bolt that used to hold the trash can is now sticking up beside the sidewalk. So are a couple of shorter bolts that held the shelter. What can be done about removing that hazard? -- L.E.
A. Robby Stone of Winston-Salem's streets division said that the situation has been remedied. City residents can report these kinds of problems to City Link, a central access point to city information and services. Residents can find answers and request services by calling 727-8000, or by e-mailing www.citylink@cityofws.org.
Q.Does any city ordinance say whether residents can change the oil in their vehicles or wash their cars on city streets? -- J.M.
A. Winston-Salem ordinances do not expressly prohibit these activities on public streets as long as they do not pollute the storm-drainage system, said Keith Huff, the director of the city's stormwater division.
"While noncommercial car washing is not considered an illegal discharge under normal conditions, if the activity resulted in a pollutant-laden waste stream flowing into our storm-drainage system, this could violate the ordinance," he said. An example of that would be doing an engine wash that flows directly into a storm drain.
The storm drains carry runoff directly to the nearest creek or stream without any treatment.
The city has a SudSafe portable carwash kit that it loans to local, nonprofit groups for fundraising car washes.
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