Did you know the water that flows down our streets and driveways and into storm drains isn’t treated, cleaned or filtered before flowing into our local waterways? If you didn’t know this, you’re not alone; realizing this critical stormwater connection is the first step towards improving and protecting water quality.
On Saturday, May 8 members of Venture Crew 84, a co-ed group ranging in age from 14-20 with Boys Scouts of America, helped to spread the word by labeling numerous storm drains in the downtown business district with the message “Dump No Waste, Drains To Stream.” The project was co-sponsored by the Missouri Stream Team Program, the City of Rolla Public Works Department, and Healthy Yards for Clear Streams.
You may see this message, “Dump No Waste, Drains to Stream” on storm drains around your neighborhood as well in the weeks and months to come. The message will serve as a reminder of the connection we have to our local rivers and streams and that storm drains should never be used to dispose of wastes.
Materials such as motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides and litter that make their way into our streams are called “nonpoint source pollutants.” These wastes can seriously damage our community’s water quality and our environment. To make things worse, some people intentionally dispose of waste, including yard waste, by pouring or sweeping it into nearby storm drains. Improper disposal is coupled with the fact that each time it rains, water runoff carries litter, yard debris, pet wastes and other pollutants into storm drains and this can mean problems for our waterways. In many areas, the same waters receiving runoff are supplies for drinking water.
Storm drain stenciling is an activity of the Missouri Stream Team Program. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.mostreamteam.org, or call 800-781-1989.
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