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 Storm
Drain Marking Program
"Protecting the Red River by linking human actions
to pollution problems."
Did
you see this message near a storm drain?
It's a reminder to keep pollutants off streets, driveways
and sidewalks and out of storm drains.
What is
a Storm Drain?
The grated openings in the street that collect water from rain and melting
snow to minimize street flooding. Rainwater often carries street debris
– trash, leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, paint, antifreeze and
used motor oil can end up in the storm drains when people dispose of them
improperly.
What is the Problem?
Have you ever wondered where water goes after it "disappears"
into a storm drain? Storm water is usually not treated at a wastewater
plant, but is discharged directly into rivers, lakes, or wetlands thorugh
outfall pipes. Runoff carries contaminant and debris picked up along the
way, polluting lakes and streams. It can also contaminate ground water
drinking water supplies.
| Potential
Problem |
Solution |
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| Motor
oil - Motor oil is banned from Minnesota and North Dakota landfills.
One quart of motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water (more
than 30 people drink in a lifetime!) It can also create an 8-acre
slick causing wildlife and aquatic creatures harm. |
Store
used oil in a sealed labeled container (do not mix with other products)
and take it to a retail outlet that recycles oil. Used oil can also
be brought to either Fargo's or Clay County's Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities. |
| Antifreeze
- Antifreeze is toxic. Because it tastes sweet, it is especially tempting
to small children and pets. Used antifreeze also contains heavy metals
from engine wear, such as lead and benzene that pose environmental
hazards. |
If your
household is connected to a municipal sewer system, you can flush
used antifreeze down the toilet. Never flush it if you have a septic
system or pour it down a storm drain. |
| Yard
Waste - Yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves add nutrients
to lakes and streams. Yard waste also clogs storm drains, rendering
them ineffective and causing localized flooding. |
Yard
waste can not be disposed of in local landfills. Compost yard waste
at home, leave grass clippings on your lawn (mulching) or contact
the city of Moorhead Compost Site (218-299-5464) or take to one of
Fargo's composting/recycling drop-off locations. (www.cityoffargo.com/solidwaste) |
| Deicer-Salt
- Salt used for deicing sidewalks and driveways is carried with spring
melting water into drains, causing problems for fish, wildlife and
vegetation. Some salt can also cause damage to concrete. |
Shovel
walks and driveways promptly before snow is compacted into ice. Use
sand, grit or calcium magnesium acetate instead of sodium chloride.
If you use salt, use it sparingly. |
| Paint
- Many paint products can harm people, wildlife and the environment
when thrown out or disposed of improperly. Some oi-based paints contain
toxic chemicals and hazardous vapors. |
Donate
good used paint to neighbors or community groups, or households may
bring latex or oil based paints to the Clay County or City of Fargo's
HHW facilities during the hours of operation (April through October.) |
| Lawn
Chemicals - Insecticide and herbicide carried by runoff from lawns
and gardens to storm drains can kill or damage the health or reproduction
of aquatic plants, insects or fish. Nutrients in fertilizer can cause
algae blooms and plant growth that make the water unpleasant for recreation
and reduce oxygen levels. |
Get
a soil test before applying fertilizer to make sure it is needed
and then use the amount following directions carefully.
• Never spread chemicals across sidewalks or driveways.
• Don't apply chemicals before a rain.
• Sweep up spills.
• Use phosphorus free fertilizer.
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What can you do?
Volunteer to mark storm drains! Prevent pollution by keeping contaminants
out of storm drains. Follow the No Dumping message and do your part to
help protect our waters.
Preparation:
• Discuss the idea of storm drain marking with your organization
or group of friends. This project is appropriate for youth groups, school
classes, civic organizations and neighborhood groups. It is recommended
that participants be 10 years old.
• Select a date for stenciling. It must be 50 degrees F outside and
the pavement must be dry.
• Decide on a neighborhood to mark and a location to meet.
• Know how many people will be participating.
• Know how many supervisors there will be. One supervisor is recommended
for every four youth volunteers.
• Know the time and length of time available to do project.
Two hours is the recommended length of time.
• Plan a back up date in case of rain.
• Reserve the marking kits by calling River Keepers at 701-235-2895
or e-mailing riverkeepers@i29.net
Day of
Tasks:
Break into groups. Two people to mark the curb and two people to distribute
doorhangers. River Keepers will provide a map of area to mark.
Curb Marking Team:
• Sweep the area where the marker is going to be placed. Surface
must be clean, dry and free of any loose debris.
• Apply adhesive to the back of the marker as shown. (can you
use clip art from green sheet? I also have a white copy). Start 1/8"
in from the outside edge applying an even bead around the entire edge
and then work to the center.
• It is not necessary to use a large amount.
• Application surface must be flat. The preferred placement
is on the face of the curb. If this is not possible, right next to the
curb and storm drain on the street is okay.
• Place the marker on the application surface. Push down HARD with
a twisting motion forcing adhesive out from the edge. It is important
that the entire edge of the marker is sealed to the curb.
Doorhanger Team:
• Walk on sidewalks, stay off the grass.
• Do not put doorhangers in mailboxes.
• Hang doorhanger on the door that looks most used.
• Only hang on the outer most door. Do not open door.
• Do not leave doorhanger if you think it will blow away.
Follow-Up:
• Indicate on map, streets marked.
• Fill out evaluation forms.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Return maps, forms and kits.
• Congratulate yourselves...you deserve it!
Sponsors:
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