Aug. 26, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 358

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 Seaford Storm Drain Marking Project
during Coastal Cleanup Sept. 19

The Seaford storm drain marking project set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 will be included as a site for the annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup, DNREC’s Sediment and Stormwater Program and Watershed Assessment Section announced today. Volunteers are needed to mark storm drains in the town of Seaford with medallions bearing the reminder, “No Dumping - Drains to Waterway,” and to clear debris from drains and gutters - before it reaches the Nanticoke River.

“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.” 

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. Other towns that have been marked in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed include Greenwood, Bridgeville, and Laurel.

For more information on the storm drain marking program, please contact Jennifer Volk at 302-739-9939 or Jennifer.Volk@state.de.us.    

To sign up for the Seaford marking event during the Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, please visit the DNREC homepage at www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on the Coastal Cleanup signup link. Participants will receive a free Coastal Cleanup t-shirt. Advance registration is encouraged to ensure enough T-shirts and supplies are packed for the site.

For more information about the Delaware Coastal Cleanup, please contact Coordinator Joanna Wilson at 302-739-9902.