Volunteer Programs Help Fight Storm Water Pollution

By Don Sommer

The Environmental Protection Agency's Storm Water Program was expanded last year to include communities serving fewer than 100,000 people, and construction sites from one to five acres. Minimum requirements of the Phase II Storm Water Rule call for the implementation of "Best Management Practices." The measures include the development of six measures that focus on a public education programs on pollution prevention, with public involvement and participation.

Many larger communities affected by Phase I of the NPDES have already established storm drain stenciling as a method of complying with this mandate.

Most people don't realize how much pollution comes from residential neighborhoods. Used oil, household and garden chemicals, paint, antifreeze and grass clippings are dumped down storm drains.

A storm drain marking program using citizen volunteers serves to educate through involvement. Scout troops, 4-H groups, school students, neighborhood associations and civic organizations have all been engaged to participate in marking programs.

Although painting stenciled messages is the method most commonly employed, there are some drawbacks. In the hands of volunteers, painting can be messy and time consuming. Aesthetically the results can be less than pleasing and elicit "graffiti" complaints. Since the image lasts for anywhere from 2-3 years, the cost of paint and stencils can add up. Finally, as the paint wears off, it eventually washes down the drains into the water source it was designed to protect.

There are alternative methods available which many communities have already employed. Most offer a more permanent means of marking. Permanent markers made of aluminum, ceramic and plastic materials glued or fastened as well as stencil cut thermal tape melted to the surface have been used. Some of these methods have been around for some time.

In evaluating the various options, there are a few considerations:

• Is the marker easy to install so that it is suitable for use by a wide range of volunteers? Does it require tools or special surface preparation?
• How long will the message remain legible? Is there data available to support longevity claims?
• Can it be installed on a variety of surfaces such as concrete, asphalt and cast iron?
• Is it available in different sizes, shapes, colors and messages?
• Will it crack? Can it deform or bend creating a potential hazard?

Case Studies

In Hillsborough County, Fla., Julia Palaschak of the county's Stormwater Management Section originally used spray painted stencils with her early public education efforts. She found that volunteers using spray paint "required constant supervision and on windy days, forget it!" Cleaning and storage of the plastic stencils also was a problem. The larger problem, however, was that the paint faded in the Florida sun.

After evaluating her options, Palaschak opted for a glue-down permanent marking system in 1996. Not only did it look more attractive and last longer, but it was easy to get into the volunteer's hands and required little to no supervision.

Although organized storm drain marking events are still held, Palaschak found that she could mail a dozen markers along with a tube of adhesive, installation instructions, coordinated informational door hangers and an inventory sheet to record the marking in a padded envelope. This allowed concerned citizens that contacted her office to take individual action in their neighborhoods, which subsequently created great events.

A coordinated "leave behind" flyer or door hanger is worth mentioning as a key element of any marking program. The text can be used to elaborate on the reasons behind the marking effort. If the graphics and message used on the storm drain marking are also used on the flyer/door hanger, the visual message will be reinforced. Many people receiving this information will also become motivated to participate in future programs.

In Sioux Falls, S.D., a contest was held for children ages 8 to 12 to design the graphic for a curb marker which would be permanently affixed to the storm drains. The advertisements announcing the contest not only solicited designs but also contained text designed to educate the public about non-point-source pollution and its prevention. The announcement of the winning design and subsequent installation of the first marker were events that had to instill a sense of public pride and stewardship of water resources in the community.

A press conference for local media was used to announce San Antonio's "Storm Drain Decal Program." Community leaders used the event to increase public awareness and explain the implementation of the marking program. Events included the installation of the first permanent marker, a demonstration of how contaminants enter, pollute and travel through the water system, and a visit by "Stormwater Willie". Stormwater Willie is the programs' mascot. The formally attired crayfish visits schools to promote awareness and is also pictured on the storm drain markers.

Conclusion

Although there are different methods of marking and many methods of developing a marking program, much can be learned from programs already in place. Networking with counterparts in other communities and obtaining information from manufacturers (who can also provide ideas and referrals) is the first step. Organizing your program from an established template or developing your own unique approach is a matter of choice and available resources.

It's clear, however, that the communities and entities affected by Phase II need to prepare for the public education mandate. As a recognized method of compliance, a storm drain marking program is probably in your future.

About the Author:

Don Sommer is the president of das Manufacturing Inc., makers of the das Curb Marker. Sommer invented the company's marking system in 1983 as an aid to location and damage prevention for underground utilities. The marker can be permanently applied to most flat surfaces, including concrete, asphalt and cast iron.