CITIZENS FOR A HEALTHY BAY

Citizens for a Healthy Bay is working with the City of Tacoma to reduce storm-water pollution in the south Puget Sound. Through the Storm Drain Marking Program CHB helps educate and remind people that in Tacoma, materials dumped down storm drains or catch basins are not treated, but instead go directly into Commencement Bay via the drains and outfalls. With the help of volunteers, CHB and the City of Tacoma seek to mark every storm drain within the City limits. Markers which state “No Dumping, Drains to Puget Sound” are glued next to the drains to caution people against dumping materials into the drain system.

Storm Drain Marking events are held each summer. Participants include schools, churches, scout troops, families as well as individuals who just want to make a difference in their community. They come from all over Tacoma and the surrounding area. For those of you who live outside of Tacoma and would like to mark drains in your neighborhood, CHB will provide re-usable stencils. All you need is a can of spray paint and the desire to get involved. If you are a Tacoma-based community group, family or business and would like to learn more about how to reduce storm-water pollution and help mark Tacoma’s storm drains, please contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org.