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<br />News Release <br />November 7, 2013 <br /> <br />Contacts <br />City of Eugene Public Affairs Manager Eric Jones, 541-682-5523 <br />City of Springfield Communications Coordinator Loralyn Spiro, 541-726-2233 <br />Lane County Public Works Road Maintenance Planning Jennifer Paugh, 541-682-6905 <br /> <br />For Immediate Release <br /> <br />When it comes to leaves, know before you throw <br /> <br />Tips <br />Schedules <br />Maps <br /> <br />While a Springfield leaf looks pretty much like a leaf from Eugene or metropolitan Lane <br />County, it’s important to know the differences, particularly if you’re planning to put your leaves out <br />for collection. <br />Both cities and the county collect leaves for similar reasons. Removing leaves from catch <br />basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding. Keeping leaves out <br />of the drainage system improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is <br />needed by aquatic life in local streams and river. And removing slippery leaves makes streets safer <br />for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. <br /> In all three jurisdictions, property owners are responsible, and bear liability, for leaves that <br />are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or flooding hazards. <br /> However, Eugene and Lane County allow residents to pile leaves in the street, while <br />Springfield only allows bagged leaves to be set out for collection. <br /> To get the best information for your particular property, determine which jurisdiction <br />provides service in your area, then contact that agency. Here are the details for each jurisdiction: <br /> <br />City of Eugene <br />Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery program begins Nov. 12 and includes some new <br />features designed to improve service. <br /> The biggest change will be the way collection crews and equipment are deployed around <br />the city. After an initial focus on the central Eugene area, three crews on Nov. 18 will branch out <br />into three “zones”: north Eugene, south Eugene, and west Eugene. Each crew will have the staffing <br />and equipment needed to collect and deliver leaves and sweep streets after the leaves have been <br />picked up. This will put resources closer to neighborhoods and allow unimproved streets (typically <br />those without curbs and gutters) to be picked up during the first round of collections, rather than <br />waiting until the second round. <br /> <br />