April 24, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

CHCA says “Yo! No dumping! Drains to river!”

Between now and the end of May, in celebration of the 38th anniversary of Earth Day, volunteers from the CHCA will be marking storm drains in Chestnut Hill with medallions that read “Yo! No Dumping! Drains to River.”

Our water is polluted by people dumping trash, motor oil and toxic chemicals into storm drains. Many people are unaware that storm drains flow to local waterways, and they do not realize that Philadelphia gets all of its drinking water from local rivers. The only thing that belongs in a storm drain is rainwater.

In addition, rain and melting snow pick up all kinds of pollutants as they wash over our gardens, lawns, sidewalks, driveways, and streets. Because we have so many paved surfaces, most of this water flows into storm drains in the street, many of which empty directly into creeks and streams that make their way to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

Volunteers will concentrate on marking high foot-traffic areas, schools and construction sites with the “Yo! No Dumping! Drains to River” medallions. Volunteers will also be passing out tip cards throughout the community that explain the purpose of the Storm Drain Marking Program, as well as suggesting what residents can do to help reduce storm water runoff pollution before it enters the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

Throughout Philadelphia, approximately 1,500 volunteers are participating in this, our city’s largest Earth Day service project, by marking almost 10,500 storm drains throughout April and May. The Storm Drain Marking Program is organized by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, with annual funding provided by the Philadelphia Water Department.

To volunteer for this project, call Noreen Spota at 215-248-8810 or e-mail noreen@chestnuthill.org as soon as possible. All ages are welcome to participate. Not only will we help the environment, but we’ll have some fun too!