Making the Connection between Our Neighborhoods and Our Streams
The
Clermont
Soil and Water Conservation District would like to introduce you to a
proactive
and effective program your community, club or service organization can
undertake that will help meet your environmental awareness and
education
goals. This program is also an excellent way to meet public
outreach,
community involvement and illicit discharge detection and elimination
requirements
in the Phase II storm water regulations.
The Storm Drain Curb Marker Program is an effective way to educate citizens about the stormwater management systems in their neighborhoods, and the potential impact that their daily activities can have on water quality. The materials are inexpensive and long lasting. Because the program utilizes volunteers working in their own neighborhoods, it helps build a sense of community and pride, along with a sense of ownership in the quality of our water resources.
Implementation
of the Storm Drain Curb Marker Program is simple and efficient.
It
consists of only three components; the curb markers, adhesive, and the
accompanying door hangers. So far, markers have been installed by
townships, neighborhood watch groups, homeowners associations, scout
troops,
and school groups. The colorful plastic markers will last
for
10 years or more.
Communities
are using this program across the country, with great success.
Locally,
it has the endorsement of the East Fork Watershed Collaborative, which
is an association of local agencies, communities, and conservation
organizations
committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of the East Fork of
the
Little Miami River.
The
McGuffey
Lakes Homeowners Association, with the assistance of the Hamilton
County
Anglers Association, recently labeled storm drains in their Union
Township
neighborhood. It took volunteers from these two groups only two and a
half
hours to label 100 storm drains and distribute over 250 door hangers
throughout
their 150 acre neighborhood.
If your community or group is interested in implementing this
program,
and would like assistance in setting it up, please contact Jason Brown,
the East Fork Watershed Coordinator with the Clermont Soil and Water
Conservation
District at (513) 732-7075.