Stormwater management: How can you get involved in community service?

When it comes to seasonal storms, we are at the mercy of nature.  While we cannot control when, where and how severe the next storm will be, we can make our friends and neighbors aware that storm runoff mixed with daily household products can result in pollution to surface and ground water in our local environment. 

Cleaning agents, oil, antifreeze, fertilizer and pesticides are products we use to our benefit that can cause pollution when not properly handled.  Substances such as litter, animal waste, and fine sediment from soil erosion may also be easily flushed into the storm sewer system during a heavy shower.  When these materials enter the storm sewer system, they are mobilized by the storm runoff and eventually flow into and pollute our streams or groundwater aquifers.

Get Involved

Ferguson Township has an opportunity for volunteers of all ages—including social groups, clubs, organizations or individuals—to start a Township-wide storm drain stenciling program.  The program’s goal is to help raise awareness that materials dumped in storm drains may eventually flow to streams or our groundwater.

Implementing this strategy is dependent upon volunteer groups offering to perform the service.

Under this program, storm drain stencils that read “No Dumping; Drains to Stream” would be made available to volunteer groups within the Township.  These stencils would be used to paint the message on each storm inlet. Volunteers would be provided with door hangers to distribute during the labeling process to educate property owners in each neighborhood about the program’s purpose and the benefit of community action to protect water quality.  The Township would cover the cost of materials to participate in the program.

The program aims to get the public involved in a volunteer activity that promotes water quality and change the public’s behavior to prevent undesirable discharges to storm drains.  Achievement of these goals will help reduce levels of pollutants entering storm drains and, eventually, local streams. 

To volunteer, contact Ron Seybert, Township Engineer.