Columbia to stop using rat poison in storm drains

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia will stop putting rat poison in its storm drains to deal with the rodents.

City officials say they are making the change because of a complaint from a citizen whose dog ate some poison. Officials say they are stopping the practice because the storm drains dump directly into streams that lead to the Congaree River.

City officials say they will try to find another way to deal with the rodents.

The city has launched a campaign to discourage people from putting anything in the storm drains.

Officials say there is no indication the practice violated environmental laws.

City officials say they will continue to use the poison in the sewer system. Material from the sewer system goes to a waste treatment plant before it reaches the river.