Volunteers sought for May 15 Newark storm drain marking

The project, which includes marking storm drains with special medallions, is part of a continuing statewide education effort to prevent pollution from storm water runoff and improve the quality of local creeks and tributaries.

The medallions, which read, “No Dumping, Drains to Creek,” will be placed on curb areas in front of storm drains within city limits. Project organizers hope to mark 20 percent of the city’s approximately 2,200 storm drains as part of a five-year project. About 30 percent of the city’s storm drains were labeled by last year’s volunteer effort.

Volunteers will be given kits containing 12 medallions. The contents can be glued down in about an hour by a three-to-five person team, Kelley Dinsmore, Newark storm water program coordinator, said.

Disnsmore also said that the medallions are intended to serve as a reminder not to dump motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, animals wastes or general litter into city storm drains because they are pollutants that will end up in nearby rivers and streams.

“The citizens of Newark can play a key role in helping to improve water quality in the upper Christina Watershed,” Dinsmore said. “This is a great opportunity for residents, community service organizations, college students and others to help spread the message in Newark that there should only be rain in the storm drain.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities and obtaining project materials, including medallions, call Dinsmore at 366-7040.

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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