Sean C. Morgan
Volunteers are placing markers on curbs above storm drains around the city to remind residents not to dump into the drain system.
The effort began Oct. 20 as part of “Friends of the Forest Day” and, depending on the weather, will likely continue next spring when the weather is drier. The city has 2,000 markers available for placement.
The markers are meant to raise community awareness about water quality, said Mike Adams, Sweet Home Public Works Director.
The markers encourage local residents and businesses to act in ways that are healthy for the environment, he said. Many people pour oil, paint or other contaminants down storm drains because they are unaware of the fact that the drains lead directly to streams without any treatment.
Ames Creek and the South Santiam River both have water quality problems that affect fish and other aquatic life, Adams said.
Some communities do treat storm water, said Engineering Technician Trish Rice. “In Sweet Home, storm water flows to the creek and river. It really is to keep keep pollutants out of the creeks.”
Oil, paint and soap from washing cars can cause water quality problems, affecting fish, Rice said. “We prefer if people wash their cars, wash it on the grass so it’ll infiltrate into the ground instead of the storm system.”
Volunteers have placed about 30 markers along Long Street, from 22nd Avenue to Oak Terrace, Rice said.
The cities of Albany and Lebanon also have storm drain marking projects under way, Adams said. Marking storm drains has a history of success across the nation for reducing stream contamination and helping raise public awareness of the importance of water quality.
The storm drain markers are attractive and have a 20-year life expectancy, Adams said. They are glued onto curbs near storm drains with a long-lasting specialty glue.
The project cost about $2,350.
Volunteers included U.S. Forest Service Sweet Home Ranger District Hydrologist Lance Gatchell, Rice, City Manager Craig Martin and a junior high school student.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Gatchell at (541) 367-3628 or Adams at (541) 367-6243.