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BWSR N.E. TEL:218-723-4794 Oct 02 96 13:21 No.0U2 F'.U5 IT l° TO STOIC DRAIN STENCILING JECT - for Minnesota Water 8~t, April 21-22, 1994, Mpls ABSTRACT Runoff from urban watersheds can contribute nutrients, pesticides, and hazardous household waste to Minnesota`s rivers, Ickes, and ground water. Stomp drain stenciling projects Increase public awareness about the drainage connection between neighborhoods and local water resources toward a goal of reducing contamination in urban runoff. 'Don't Dump" slogans are painted near storm drains In conjunction with. an educational campaign including media coverage and door-to-door distribution of leaflets. Results and recommendations from ten pilot projects in northern Minnesota illustrate how °Paint the Town" programs can effectively increase public understanding of watershed contributions and minimize adverse impacts from residential stormwater runoff. BACKGROUND Urban runoff carries contaminants such as yard and pet wastes, chemicals, car fluids, and snit from residential lawns, driveways, and sidewalks. Also, hazardous household waste, pesticides, paints, antifreeze, or used motor oil may end up in storm drains when people dispose of them improperly. Stormwater and snowmen carry urban pollutants to lakes, rivers, or wetlands through storm drain systems. Typical residential lawn care contributes $ significant proportion of urban contaminants. lawns are a large source of total phosphorous and conform bacteria {Bannerman, et. al, 1993} due to excessive fertilizer use and pet wastes. Grass clippings and leaves raked into gutters add to the nutrient load in runoff. Improper application of herbicide contributes chemicals that can have an adverse affect on aquatic life in the receiving body. Urban best management practices can reduce the impact of routine lawn care. Although often concerned about "water quality' in their local water resources, the general public is usually unaware of the connection between their neighborhood and those water bodies. When educated about the possible adverse effects of their lawn care and disposal practices, many people voluntarily change their habits. METHODS Volunteer groups of youth and adults in ten communities in northern Minnesota undertook "Paint the Town" campaigns during summer 1993. "Don't Dump" slogans identifying the receiving water body were stenciled next. to 500 residential storm drains. Drains were cleared of debris and adjacent concrete was cleaned to improve stencil quality. White, yellow, or blue latex paint was used, depending on the local highway department. Spray paint is easier for volunteers to use and produces clearer stencEls. Quick-dry DOT paint, although longer-lasting, was difficult for volunteers to use.