A-6: Storm Drain Stenciling Activity

Appendix 6. Storm Drain Stenciling Activity

Storm drains or catch basins are the square metal grates at the sides or curbs of streets. They are designed to collect stormwater to prevent streets and property from flooding. When it begins to rain, the first drops soak into the ground. But once the soil is saturated, or if the soil has been replaced by cement or another impervious surface coverage (such as a roof or asphalt), the rain runs along the surface until it comes to a storm drain. Any debris or garbage from driveways, backyards, or streets, including products and wastes applied to the ground, are picked up by the rainwater (runoff) and enter the storm sewer system. Even if there were no pollutants on the ground, the runoff is still a problem because it diverts water from entering the soil and seeping into the groundwater where it can later replenish streams and aquifers.

In many places, the storm sewer system carries runoff water through pipes to larger pipes or "trunk" lines buried underground. These pipes then take the water and empty it untreated into the nearest waterway, such as a stream, river, or lake. In some communities, the storm sewer system (stormwater) is combined with the municipal sewer system (wastewater). This is called a combined sewer system. Both water streams are carried through pipes to the wastewater treatment plant. The water is treated at the plant according to the level of available treatment. However, when there is a large flow of water from a storm, the water in the wastewater treatment plant may be released with minimal treatment. As a result, raw sewage and stormwater may enter a stream, lake or even drain directly into the ocean.

Storm drain stenciling is a great way to raise awareness about where the rainwater goes once it disappears into the drain. Many people assume that the water is always treated like other household or commercial wastewater, but frequently that is not the case. Stenciling storm drains with the words "dump no waste - drains to _____ stream" will let people know that whatever they put on the ground, or worse, directly into the storm drain, will eventually end up in the nearest stream.

Prior to beginning a storm drain stenciling project with your students, take the following steps:

1. Identify one or more target areas - Identify a particular community, subdivision or cluster of streets in which to stencil the storm drains. Then contact either the storm drain utility or road maintenance division of the city or county Public Works Department to determine where the storms drains in that area drain to (if they are put of a combined sewer system, look for another area where they drain directly to a stream). Once you Locate storm drains on residential streets. Do not select storm drains on arterials, highways or other busy streets. Select sites where the traffic flow is light.

2. Obtain permission - To obtain permission to stencil storm drains located on city and county streets, contact either the storm drain utility or road maintenance division of the city or county Public Works Department. The Public Works Department may issue a permit or letter of approval. They may even provide assistance with storm drain maps and traffic safety. Storm drains on private property, such as business parking lots, require permission of the property owner. Determine if you have permission from the city or county Public Works to stencil on maintenance covers on the storm drains inlet, on the curb, or on the sidewalk behind the storm drain. Obtain approval for the color of the latex paint from the public works department.

3. Obtain Supplies - Local sponsors should be encouraged to provide supplies and to assist with the promotion and safety of the stenciling project. Organize supplies so that each team has the necessary materials.

4. Checklist of supplies needed for a stenciling event

For each team:

Stencil

Broom or whisk broom

Bucket or box to carry all the stenciling equipment

Flyers (describing the project) for distribution to area residents. To estimate the number of flyers needed, count the number of storm drains to be stenciled and multiply by 10.

Latex paint (Select a bright, flat color in a closable can. White is a good choice. There is latex traffic paint on the market.)

Letter of approval from storm drain jurisdiction

Map of the area to be stenciled with storm drain locations marked

Paint can opener (screwdrivers may work)

Paint rollers (less that 3 inches wide) and rolling pan, or stencil brush

Paint stirrers

Paper towels

Plastic garbage bags, approximately 3 for each team

Traffic cones and flags, at least two for each team

Waivers of Liability, one for each student. Make sure a parent signs a waiver for each child.

For each participant:

Latex or nitrile gloves

Safety vest

T-shirt of a bright color with the stencil image (optional)

5. Alert the News Media - If you wish to generate publicity, give the news media plenty of lead time and provide them with specific information about times, locations and contacts.

6. Prepare Flyers- Have your students design a flyer that describes the Storm Drain Stenciling Project and your role in its implementation. The flyer should provide further explanation of the stenciled message and where individuals can go for more information (see sample)

7. When ready to stencil

Check Weather Conditions - it must be at least 50 degrees to ensure paint will dry. It must not be raining and the pavement must be dry.

Describe steps for stenciling storm drains (and practice beforehand in the classroom, using a paper bag or piece of cardboard to test the stencil and the amount of paint required).

Provide close adult supervision (recruit parents to help plan the whole project, but especially to help the day of the stenciling)

Review orally the following Pedestrian Safety Rules with all participants:

a. Each participant should wear a safety vest whenever on the street.

b. Set out the traffic cones at the stenciling site.

c. Watch out for cars while at the storm drain site. One person must hold the traffic flag and watch for oncoming cars.

d. Use the same caution that you would use while walking along the road right-of-way. Stay out of and away from vehicular driving lanes and face oncoming traffic.

e. Remember that drivers may not always see you. If cars are parked near enough to a storm drain that participants are not visible, skip that storm drain and return to it later.

f. Never stencil alone

g. If in doubt, think and act safely first.

Form teams of three to five students with at least one supervising adult. Provide each team with the necessary supplies.

8. At the Storm Drain Site

Set out traffic cones

Select one participant from each team to serve as the data recorder. Record the type of location where the storm drain is situated (residential area, business district, school/university, service station/convenience store, or shopping center/parking lot) and the types of wastes found within 6 feet of each side of it.

Collect any existing waste for proper disposal in a garbage bag. Separate the recyclable material from the trash. A volunteer should be responsible for properly disposing of the garbage and recyclable materials.

Using the broom, briskly brush off the area you will stencil so it is clean of debris.

Decide as a group which way the stencil should read so that the most people will see it (readable from the sidewalk or street). Two people should lay the stencil flat in front of the storm drain or on the cement cover on top of the storm drain.

One person should apply the latex paint on the stencil. Take turns doing the stenciling at each storm drain. TRICKS OF THE STENCILING TRADE: Put very little paint on the brush or roller! If using a brush, dab the paint, rather then brushing it on. Do not apply the paint too thickly or it will run under the stencil. You do not need to completely fill in the stenciled areas with paint for it to be readable.

When done, pick up the stencil carefully to avoid smearing. If the stenciled area is unreadable, do not try to clean it off to start again. This will only make a bigger mess. Go on to the next storm drain and learn from the mistake.

Clean up the stenciling site. Clean off excess paint from the stencil with paper towels. Dried on latex paint serves to strengthen the stencil so there is no need to remove all of the paint. Loosely roll the stencil and place it and the paint brush or roller into a plastic bag to protect them.

Distribute flyers to the homes near the storm drain. Stick the flyer in the screen door or the front door. Be prepared to answer citizens’ questions regarding the Storm Drain Stenciling Project if they should ask.

Pick up the traffic cones and pack materials for transport to the next site.

Move on to the next storm drain site.

9. After the stenciling event

Save unused paint for the next stenciling event or donate it to an organization that will use it. Make sure all lids are securely closed.

Send thank you notes to all who assisted with the event, such as donators of supplies, Public Works, adult supervisors, participants, reporters, and departments responsible for the storm drains.

Congratulate yourselves on a job well-done and for helping to protect New Jersey’s water quality!

Finally, begin to plan the next stenciling event!

10. Ongoing use of the kit

How to Store the Stencils - Always store stencils flat! This will extend the life of the stencil. One good way to store them is to create a cardboard sleeve from a flattened box, taped close on three sides so that the stencil can slide in and out freely. Make one of these for each stencil, so that they cannot catch on each other and tear. Keep all the supporting materials together in a folder so that they can be used again.

Copyright 2000. Great Swamp Watershed Association.


Appendix 6. Storm Drain Stenciling Activity Storm drains or catch basins are the square metal grates at the sides or curbs of streets. They are designed to collect stormwater to prevent streets and property from flooding. When it begins to rain, the first drops soak into the ground. But once the soil is saturated, or if the soil has been replaced by cement or another impervious surface coverage (such as a roof or asphalt), the rain runs along the surface until it comes to a storm drain. Any debris or garbage from driveways, backyards, or streets, including products and wastes applied to the ground, are picked up by the rainwater (runoff) and enter the storm sewer system. Even if there were no pollutants on the ground, the runoff is still a problem because it diverts water from entering the soil and seeping into the groundwater where it can later replenish streams and aquifers. In many places, the storm sewer system carries runoff water through pipes to larger pipes or "trunk" lines buried underground. These pipes then take the water and empty it untreated into the nearest waterway, such as a stream, river, or lake. In some communities, the storm sewer system (stormwater) is combined with the municipal sewer system (wastewater). This is called a combined sewer system. Both water streams are carried through pipes to the wastewater treatment plant. The water is treated at the plant according to the level of available treatment. However, when there is a large flow of water from a storm, the water in the wastewater treatment plant may be released with minimal treatment. As a result, raw sewage and stormwater may enter a stream, lake or even drain directly into the ocean. Storm drain stenciling is a great way to raise awareness about where the rainwater goes once it disappears into the drain. Many people assume that the water is always treated like other household or commercial wastewater, but frequently that is not the case. Stenciling storm drains with the words "dump no waste - drains to _____ stream" will let people know that whatever they put on the ground, or worse, directly into the storm drain, will eventually end up in the nearest stream. Prior to beginning a storm drain stenciling project with your students, take the following steps: 1. Identify one or more target areas - Identify a particular community, subdivision or cluster of streets in which to stencil the storm drains. Then contact either the storm drain utility or road maintenance division of the city or county Public Works Department to determine where the storms drains in that area drain to (if they are put of a combined sewer system, look for another area where they drain directly to a stream). Once you Locate storm drains on residential streets. Do not select storm drains on arterials, highways or other busy streets. Select sites where the traffic flow is light. 2. Obtain permission - To obtain permission to stencil storm drains located on city and county streets, contact either the storm drain utility or road maintenance division of the city or county Public Works Department. The Public Works Department may issue a permit or letter of approval. They may even provide assistance with storm drain maps and traffic safety. Storm drains on private property, such as business parking lots, require permission of the property owner. Determine if you have permission from the city or county Public Works to stencil on maintenance covers on the storm drains inlet, on the curb, or on the sidewalk behind the storm drain. Obtain approval for the color of the latex paint from the public works department. 3. Obtain Supplies - Local sponsors should be encouraged to provide supplies and to assist with the promotion and safety of the stenciling project. Organize supplies so that each team has the necessary materials. 4. Checklist of supplies needed for a stenciling event For each team: Stencil Broom or whisk broom Bucket or box to carry all the stenciling equipment Flyers (describing the project) for distribution to area residents. To estimate the number of flyers needed, count the number of storm drains to be stenciled and multiply by 10. Latex paint (Select a bright, flat color in a closable can. White is a good choice. There is latex traffic paint on the market.) Letter of approval from storm drain jurisdiction Map of the area to be stenciled with storm drain locations marked Paint can opener (screwdrivers may work) Paint rollers (less that 3 inches wide) and rolling pan, or stencil brush Paint stirrers Paper towels Plastic garbage bags, approximately 3 for each team Traffic cones and flags, at least two for each team Waivers of Liability, one for each student. Make sure a parent signs a waiver for each child. For each participant: Latex or nitrile gloves Safety vest T-shirt of a bright color with the stencil image (optional) 5. Alert the News Media - If you wish to generate publicity, give the news media plenty of lead time and provide them with specific information about times, locations and contacts. 6. Prepare Flyers- Have your students design a flyer that describes the Storm Drain Stenciling Project and your role in its implementation. The flyer should provide further explanation of the stenciled message and where individuals can go for more information (see sample) 7. When ready to stencil Check Weather Conditions - it must be at least 50 degrees to ensure paint will dry. It must not be raining and the pavement must be dry. Describe steps for stenciling storm drains (and practice beforehand in the classroom, using a paper bag or piece of cardboard to test the stencil and the amount of paint required). Provide close adult supervision (recruit parents to help plan the whole project, but especially to help the day of the stenciling) Review orally the following Pedestrian Safety Rules with all participants: a. Each participant should wear a safety vest whenever on the street. b. Set out the traffic cones at the stenciling site. c. Watch out for cars while at the storm drain site. One person must hold the traffic flag and watch for oncoming cars. d. Use the same caution that you would use while walking along the road right-of-way. Stay out of and away from vehicular driving lanes and face oncoming traffic. e. Remember that drivers may not always see you. If cars are parked near enough to a storm drain that participants are not visible, skip that storm drain and return to it later. f. Never stencil alone g. If in doubt, think and act safely first. Form teams of three to five students with at least one supervising adult. Provide each team with the necessary supplies. 8. At the Storm Drain Site Set out traffic cones Select one participant from each team to serve as the data recorder. Record the type of location where the storm drain is situated (residential area, business district, school/university, service station/convenience store, or shopping center/parking lot) and the types of wastes found within 6 feet of each side of it. Collect any existing waste for proper disposal in a garbage bag. Separate the recyclable material from the trash. A volunteer should be responsible for properly disposing of the garbage and recyclable materials. Using the broom, briskly brush off the area you will stencil so it is clean of debris. Decide as a group which way the stencil should read so that the most people will see it (readable from the sidewalk or street). Two people should lay the stencil flat in front of the storm drain or on the cement cover on top of the storm drain. One person should apply the latex paint on the stencil. Take turns doing the stenciling at each storm drain. TRICKS OF THE STENCILING TRADE: Put very little paint on the brush or roller! If using a brush, dab the paint, rather then brushing it on. Do not apply the paint too thickly or it will run under the stencil. You do not need to completely fill in the stenciled areas with paint for it to be readable. When done, pick up the stencil carefully to avoid smearing. If the stenciled area is unreadable, do not try to clean it off to start again. This will only make a bigger mess. Go on to the next storm drain and learn from the mistake. Clean up the stenciling site. Clean off excess paint from the stencil with paper towels. Dried on latex paint serves to strengthen the stencil so there is no need to remove all of the paint. Loosely roll the stencil and place it and the paint brush or roller into a plastic bag to protect them. Distribute flyers to the homes near the storm drain. Stick the flyer in the screen door or the front door. Be prepared to answer citizens’ questions regarding the Storm Drain Stenciling Project if they should ask. Pick up the traffic cones and pack materials for transport to the next site. Move on to the next storm drain site. 9. After the stenciling event Save unused paint for the next stenciling event or donate it to an organization that will use it. Make sure all lids are securely closed. Send thank you notes to all who assisted with the event, such as donators of supplies, Public Works, adult supervisors, participants, reporters, and departments responsible for the storm drains. Congratulate yourselves on a job well-done and for helping to protect New Jersey’s water quality! Finally, begin to plan the next stenciling event! 10. Ongoing use of the kit How to Store the Stencils - Always store stencils flat! This will extend the life of the stencil. One good way to store them is to create a cardboard sleeve from a flattened box, taped close on three sides so that the stencil can slide in and out freely. Make one of these for each stencil, so that they cannot catch on each other and tear. Keep all the supporting materials together in a folder so that they can be used again.


Copyright 2000. Great Swamp Watershed Association.