Storm Drain Stenciling
Students and community groups from around the 8T&B region are stenciling messages onto municipal storm drains. Storm drain stenciling is a fun and hands-on means to educate others and to promote voluntary action for pollution prevention.
The stenciled messages, painted next to municipal storm drains, alert residents to the dangers of dumping items such as motor oil, pet waste, antifreeze, rubbish and lawn waste into storm drains where they are transported into the local rivers, streams, and coastal waters.
The stencils, which feature a fish and the messages "Don't Dump. Drains to River/Harbor/Marsh," were purchased with funding from Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management and 8T&B. They are available on a loan basis to interested organizations and schools, free of charge, along with an information resource kit.
In conjunction with the stenciling activity, many groups distribute an information sheet that lists items typically placed in storm drains, some of the effects these items have on marine life and water quality, and suggested solutions for addressing the problems.
Studies in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington have shown stenciling works to raise awareness of pollution and stormwater runoff. Over 75% of people who had seen stenciled drains knew where their water went, compared to about a third of those who had not seen a stenciled drain.
For more information about storm drain stenciling, please contact the 8T&B Coastal Resources Coordinator.
Why is Storm Drain Stenciling Important?
A Fact Sheet Developed for Your Town or City
Produced by Eight Towns and the Bay. Information adapted from the Sea Grant Program of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Center for Marine Conservation
Storm drains are located throughout city streets. When it rains, the water that runs along the gutters on your street "disappears" down the storm drains.
Have you ever stopped to wonder where all the water goes? It does not go into the wastewater treatment plant. In fact, anything that goes down your storm drain goes into a wetland, stream, river, creek or the ocean. Your neighborhood is directly linked to our coastal waters.
Items Often Placed in or Washed Into Storm Drains
Motor Oil
Problem: When poured into the gutter or down a storm drain, motor oil travels to the river or harbor, where it can harm aquatic life and underwater vegetation. One quart of oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water or create an 8-acre oil slick.
Solution: Put used motor oil in a sturdy container and take it to a local service station or motor oil collection service once a week at the Recycling Center. Do not mix oil with any other substance. For more information call your DPW to find out how to recycle motor oil or check the Recycling Guide at the back of the phone book.
Antifreeze
Problem: Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical, poisonous to people, as well as pets, fish and birds.
Solution: Save old antifreeze and bring it to the household hazardous waste collection day once a year. Call your DPW for more information and to find out when a household hazardous waste collection day is being scheduled.
Paint
Problem: Many paint products contain ingredients that my be harmful to people, animals or the environment when thrown out.
Solution: Donate unused paint (but not lead paint!) to community groups, schools, local theaters, or other interested organizations. Call your DPW for more information and to find out when a household hazardous waste collection day is being scheduled.
Yard Waste
Problem: When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes travel to the connected waterbody.. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly, adding excessive nutrients to the water. Over time, excessive nutrients can cause harmful algae blooms, resulting in fish and shellfish kills. Yard wastes also clog storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing localized flooding.
Solution: Compost your yard clippings instead of throwing them "away." Then use the compost to condition your soil. Check the Recycling Guide at the back of the phone book for more information.
Plastics
Problem: Plastics and foam containers are lightweight and wash into storm drains and into our river. They do not decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. Plastics can kill wildlife and marine life in two ways -- animals eat these materials or become entangled in them.
Solution: Minimize your use of plastic products and recycle all of the plastic materials that you can. If you see plastic litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly so that it does not get washed or blown into storm drains.
Pet Waste
Problem: Pet waste is raw sewage. It releases bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials into our water.
Solution: Dispose of pet wastes by flushing them down the toilet or burying them.
Fertilizers
Problem: Fertilizers contain large amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen which can cause algae blooms in aquatic areas. These blooms deplete the oxygen in the water and lead to fish kills.
Solution: Avoid overuse of fertilizers, Use organic fertilizers such as manure or compost, and sweep fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Problem: Pesticides and herbicides contain toxic materials that are harmful to humans, other animals, aquatic organisms and plants. When it rains, these toxic chemicals can run off into storm drains.
Solution: Minimize your use of these chemicals. Use natural alternatives when possible. Keep grass trimmed, weed by hand, and plant grass that is native.
There is no "away" in "throwaway!"
Stenciling: Advice for Teachers and Parents/Guardians
Before the Stenciling Day
Before using stencils for the first time, be sure to "weed" remaining letters from the die cuts to avoid having small plastic pieces wash into the drains while you're stenciling. "Stencil weeding" is a good pre-stenciling activity.
Remind stencilers to wear old clothes. Rubber gloves are also helpful, as are plastic bags worn over shoes. Bring rags to clean up paint on fingers, and plastic bags to bring back used gloves, rags, and any garbage you pick up.
You might want to consider making up "Wet Paint" signs to tape next to the stencils, and remove them at the end of the activity.
On the Stenciling Day
Make sure that at least one person is designated as a traffic lookout/safety coordinator, alert for car and bicycle traffic.
Rotate jobs regularly among the team members, to avoid boredom and vary experience.
Be careful of wind when spray painting. Spray very close to the stencil and make sure team members (and pedestrians) stand far enough back.
It might be helpful to use bricks, duct tape or large stones to hold down stencils. Avoid stenciling drains if a car is parked close by!
Do not paint sidewalks, driveways, or any private property! Paint only on the road directly next to the storm drain.
Use the wire brushes or whisk brooms to sweep dirt away from drain so the paint will stay. Sweep into garbage bags; do not sweep into the storm drain!
Be careful not to drop supplies and personal items down the drain.
Sample Letter to Chief Municipal Official
(Date)
(Mayor or Select person)
City Hall
Your Town, Your State
Dear:
I am writing to notify you that (name of group or school) will be conducting our storm drain stenciling project on (date and time). The rain date for this project is (date and time).
We will be stenciling with approximately 100 middle school students working in about 25 teams. Each team will include an adult supervisor. We are currently discussing with the Department of Public Works which city streets to stencil.
In conjunction with this activity, the students will be distributing educational flyers that list items typically placed in storm drains and alternative solutions to dumping them down drains, where they eventually find their way to (name of waterbody). Stencils of fish and the message "Don't Dump: Drains to Harbor" ("River"/"Marsh") will be painted with nontoxic white paint, as recommended by the DPW.
The (name of community) support for this project is greatly appreciated. It demonstrates your willingness to alert residents to water quality issues, and shows a dedication to finding ways to educate people about ways they can make a difference. We invite you to join us for the stenciling activity.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Sincerely,
(Storm drain stencil program coordinator)
Cc: Director, Department of Public Works
Chief of Police
Other coordinators (teachers, etc.)
