April 14, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 149

For further information, contact Beth Krumrine, DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program, 302-739-9921 or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Spring Storm Drain Marking Project Planned in Chesapeake Bay Watershed Towns of Laurel, Greenwood, Seaford and Bridgeville

DNREC’s Sediment and Stormwater Program and Watershed Assessment Section will be working with volunteers in several towns within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Delaware to mark storm drains with medallions bearing the reminder, “No Dumping. Drains to Waterway.” These towns include Laurel, Greenwood, Seaford and Bridgeville.  

“Drains are marked to remind community residents and businesses not to dump anything down the storm drains, including oil, trash, paint or other pollutants,” said Environmental Scientist Jennifer Volk of the Watershed Assessment Section. “We are eager to work with the towns and volunteers to implement a practice that will reduce stormwater pollution that would otherwise drain into the Chesapeake Bay.” 

Greenwood storm drains will be marked on Friday, May 1 by the Peach Blossom 4-H Club, led by Elaine Webb. Bridgeville is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 (rain date May 16), where volunteers will consist of the Dublin Hill 4-H Club, led by Carla Killmon, and the Woodbridge High School Key Club, led by Kelli Duncan. Laurel storm drains will be marked on Saturday, June 13. Dates for Seaford are yet to be determined.

DNREC’s storm drain marking initiative was first spearheaded in 2007 in Lewes, where nearly 500 storm drains were marked by more than 65 volunteers. Other communities that have implemented this program since then include Milton, Georgetown and Wilmington’s Southbridge community.  

Funding for the upcoming spring project in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay communities will be provided, in full, by the Chesapeake Bay Implementation grant. Past projects have also been funded in full by grants, noted Environmental Scientist Beth Krumrine of the Sediment and Stormwater Program.

“This is a great program that gets communities involved and provides a positive and lasting reminder about protecting our vital watersheds. We would like to continue to work with other communities in the future if the funding is available,” Krumrine added. 

Volunteers are still needed for the Laurel and Seaford marking events. If you are interested in volunteering and assisting with the Chesapeake Bay Watershed storm drain marking initiative in Delaware, please contact Jennifer Volk at 302-739-9939.