July 30, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 326

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

Volunteers Sought for Fall Storm Drain Marking Project
Planned in Seaford

DNREC’s Sediment and Stormwater Program and Watershed Assessment Section is currently seeking volunteers to mark storm drains in the town of Seaford with medallions bearing the reminder, “No Dumping - Drains to Waterway.”  Seaford storm drains will be marked on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009.

“Storm 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.” 

Other towns that have been marked in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed include Greenwood, Bridgeville, and Laurel. Greenwood was marked on Friday, May 15 by the Peach Blossom 4-H Club led by Elaine Webb.  Bridgeville’s marking was done on Tuesday, June 2 by the Woodbridge High School Key Club, led by Kelli Duncan. The Laurel event was held Saturday, June 13 with volunteers from the Delaware Surfrider Foundation, the Nanticoke Creekwatchers, and representatives from the town and George, Miles, and Buher, Inc.

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 projects in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay communities has been provided in full by the Chesapeake Bay Implementation grant. Past projects have also been funded in full by grants.

“This is a great program that gets communities involved and provides a positive and lasting reminder about protecting our vital watersheds,” said project coordinator Beth Krumrine of the DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program. “We would like to continue to work with other communities in the future if the funding is available,” she added.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Seaford marking event on Sept. 19, please contact Jennifer Volk at 302-739-9939 or Jennifer.Volk@state.de.us.