Richland County seeks neighborhoods’ help marking storm drains
February 27, 2020
Richland County Stormwater Management, in partnership with Columbia Water, is asking residents for help with marking storm drains in 20 neighborhoods in 2020.
The project is part of the County’s “Drains Aren’t Dumps” campaign. The effort aims to highlight the harmful effects pet waste, lawn clippings and excess lawn chemicals have on area waterways when they enter storm drains.
Residents can get involved by visiting www.myriverstartshere.org and following the steps to sign up. It is recommended to have at least two people to help mark the storm drain.
“Many people don’t realize that anything dumped down on placed near a storm drain could have a negative impact on local waterways because the water that flows into storm drains isn’t treated,” said Chenille Williams, education program coordinator for Stormwater Management.
“Storm drain marking is a quick and easy way for citizens to take an active role in keeping our waterways clean,” Williams said.
A Stormwater Management representative will provide training and materials to groups that sign up. The County has created metal medallions that read “No Dumping—Drains to River” to help residents mark storm drains.
Participating neighborhoods will be entered into a contest to have one of their drains painted by local artist Jessica Dame. Three winning neighborhoods will be randomly selected on a rolling basis through October.
The storm drain project is included in the County’s 2020@2020 initiative, a yearlong series of events and activities to celebrate the year 2020, which also corresponds to the street address for the County Administration Building at 2020 Hampton St.
