July 2000: Students and community groups from around the 8T&B region are stenciling messages next to 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, says Vicky Boundy, Coastal Resources Coordinator for 8T&B.
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 MVPC at (978) 374-0519.
