| Did you know that every city street is like waterfront property? It’s true. Just take a walk down your street. Before long, you’ll come to a storm drain. Any water that runs down this drain flows directly into our waterways. It does not pass through the sanitary sewer system, and it does not receive any kind of treatment. |
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Storm drains or catch basins are the square metal grates at the sides or curbs of streets. They are designed to collect storm water to prevent streets and property from flooding. When it begins to rain, the first drops soak into the ground. But once the soil is saturated, or if the soil has been replaced by cement or another impervious surface coverage (such as a roof or asphalt), the rain runs along the surface until it comes to a storm drain. Any debris or garbage from driveways, backyards, or streets, including products and wastes applied to the ground, are picked up by the rainwater (runoff) and enter the storm sewer system. Even if there were no pollutants on the ground, the runoff is still a problem because it diverts water from entering the soil and seeping into the groundwater where it can later replenish streams and aquifers.
A storm drain stenciling project consists of stenciling a message next to the street drain reminding people "Dump No Waste- Drains to Neuse River" with the image of a fish. The Town of Winterville is currently recruiting volunteer groups to conduct storm drain education projects. We will provide the supplies to do the stenciling; the group provides the manpower needed to educate the neighborhood and label the storm drains. Groups that may wish to participate include homeowner and civic associations, scout and youth groups, school groups or conservation/environmental groups.
If your group is interested in participating you may contact us as follows:
Contacts:
Willie Gay - 413-8849 willieg@wintervillenc.com
John Woods - 353-5828 - johnw@wintervillenc.com
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