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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Storm Drain Stenciling Program
Environmental experts have indicated that much of the pollution
in our waterways may be stormwater runoff, which contains urban
and agricultural pollutants. That means that putting trash or chemical-ridden
liquids, such as motor oil or paint into the storm drains is equivalent
to throwing it right into the rivers, which serve as a source of
drinking water for 90 percent of Allegheny County.
The Storm Drain Stenciling Program was initiated by the Allegheny
County Health Department (ACHD) in 1998 to help educate citizens
about the critical connection between storm drains and local waterways.
Since the program's inception, many students, environmental groups,
community organizations and public works departments have stenciled
more than 3,000 drains throughout Allegheny County with the simple
message, "Don't Dump! Protect your Water."
ALCOSAN, the Pennsylvania Resources Council, Pittsburgh Water and
Sewer Authority, the City of Pittsburgh and 3 Rivers Wet Weather
all serve as partners in this cooperative pollution prevention program—the
first of its kind in Allegheny County.
Stenciling is relatively easy to organize and it requires little
funding. Training and materials—paint, gloves, stencil templates,
safety vests and instructional handbooks—are provided free
to volunteers. The program accommodates all age groups and plays
an important role in increasing awareness about the connection between
our streets and nearby streams, creeks and rivers. In addition,
storm drain stenciling helps many communities satisfy a regulatory
requirement for implementing pollution prevention and public notification
programs.
Tens of thousands of drains throughout Allegheny County still need
to be stenciled. If your organization, group or class is interested
in starting a storm drain stenciling program in your community,
contact Twila Simmons, Program Administrator for ALCOSAN. 412-732-8045
or twila.simmons@ALCOSAN.org.
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