Storm Drain Marking:
Preventing Water Pollution

Storm Drains Do Not Flow to Water Treatment Facilities

Your group can help inform the citizens in Duluth and Superior neighborhoods that the catch basins (storm drains) they see on their streets are not connected to a treatment facility.

Public outreach is a component of the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit held by the Cities of Duluth and Superior. The EPA encourages catch basin stenciling and marking because "Storm drain stenciling projects offer an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the link between the storm drain system and drinking water quality. In addition to the labeled storm drains, media coverage of the program or stenciling event can increase public awareness of storm water issues. Volunteer groups can provide additional benefits by picking up trash near the stenciled storm drains and by noting where maintenance is needed. Additionally, stenciling projects can provide a lead-in to volunteer monitoring projects and increase community participation in a variety of other storm water-related activities." (from EPA NDPES website)

In addition to marking in-place catch basins, the Cities of Duluth and Superior have distributed a stamp to local contractors and are encouraging them to use it in new construction. (see picture at Urban Hydrology) You can also help keep the drains from clogging up and even help reduce the amount of sediment (sand and dirt) that wash in. Read about Duluth’s Sand Sweep-Up and Storm Drain Adoption programs or get involved in Superior's Storm Drain Adoption Program.

If your group would like to the assist the city of Duluth or Superior in its efforts, contact Todd Carlson with the City of Duluth or Andrea Crouse with the City of Superior (contact info in blue box).