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Listen to these
audio clips online with Real Player. If you do not have Real
Player, click
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Additional information on this topic provided below. |
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Storm Drain Stenciling
By Producer,
Kelly Meinhart
f you would by chance be strolling down the sidewalks of South Street
in Philadelphia, you might notice bright blue stickers next to the
storm drains. They have a distinct little fish yelling a quintessential
South Philly “Yo” as a reminder that only rain belongs
in the storm drain because it drains directly into the Delaware River.
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of sight — out of mind is such a common mindset when it comes
to water. No matter if it’s coming out of our faucets, flushing
down our drains, or rushing into our storm drains. It simply comes
and goes, and that’s what we expect to happen.
 ut
when it comes to storm drains — where does that water end
up? In the case of Philadelphia, it drains directly into the river.
That’s why the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary has teamed
up with several partners to offer the storm-drain marking project
throughout the city of Philadelphia.
 he
hope is to alert the public that one of the greatest threats to
the water quality of our creeks and rivers is urban storm water
and runoff pollution. Rainwater collects pollutants, including motor
oil, fertilizers, pesticides and litter and carries them either
into the storm drains or directly into the river. Philadelphia is
the largest city within the Delaware Estuary, so it’s very
important for Philadelphia to take part in protecting this important
resource.
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coworkers and I decided to take part in the project, and offered
to cover the South Street area. Our mission: to place over 60 markers
and hand out leaflets with information about storm water to the
neighborhood. While I will admit, it was a fun way to spend the
afternoon with your co-workers, I was hopeful that what we were
doing would make an impact to those who passed by. Even if it stopped
one person from dropping their cigarette butt into the street –
to eventually make its way to the river — then I felt like
we were making an impact. And that’s what it’s all about.
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he
program is sponsored by: The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary,
The Philadelphia Water Department, NOAA, Pa DEP, Delaware River Port
Authority, Pa Coastal Zone Management Program.
For more information about how you can get involved call Dee Ross
at (302) 655-4990, ext. 18.
And remember, “If it ain’t rain — keep
it out of the drain!” |
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