STORM DRAIN MARKING

Storm drain marking reminds the community about the dangers of dumping or littering in curbside drains.  Be the solution to storm water pollution!  

• Pollutants that wash off your property and into a storm drain don't go to a treatment plant, they go directly to our streams and rivers.
• Keep a tight lid on your trash cans, secure your recycle bins, pick up trash in your neighborhood, keep lawn clippings and leaves out of the gutters and drains, pick up after your dog and limit your fertilizer and pesticide use.
• It is illegal to dump paint, chemicals or any other pollutants in a storm drain.  

Pearl Riverkeeper has partnered with City of Jackson Public Works to mark and geotag the storm drains within City limits.  Click the volunteer button below to get involved and help out with the project. If you’re interested in starting a marking program in your city, let us know and we’ll try to make it happen!  Thank you to A Plus Signs and Creative, Inc. for making our storm drain stencils at cost and to Andy Hilton for the design and project inspiration!! ​

VOLUNTEER

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PROCEDURES AND GUIDANCE

Pearl Riverkeeper has permission from these Public Works Departments to conduct storm drain marking:

•      City of Jackson

SAFETY FIRST requirements from City of Jackson:

• Do not initiate contact with the public or private citizens while providing this volunteer service.
• Volunteers must keep a copy of the applicable Public Works Department permission letter near them while performing this service.  Contact Pearl Riverkeeper for a permission letter. 
• Government ID must be available to show if law enforcement requests it.

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Tips for Marking Storm Drains

Supplies you will need:

• Storm drain stencil (provided by Pearl Riverkeeper)
• Inverted-tip white solvent based spray paint
• Letter of authorization from Public Works Department
• Door hanger cards if desired (provided by Pearl Riverkeeper)
• Wire brush to clean the gutter prior to painting
• Work gloves and safety vest or bright clothing
• Garbage bag and paper towels or rags

How to stencil:

• Contact Pearl Riverkeeper to borrow a storm drain stencil.
• Check out our interactive map to find out which storm drains have already been marked.
• Choose a location for marking storm drains.  Only mark storm drains in areas where Pearl Riverkeeper has obtained permission.
• Choose a dry, calm day.
• Scrub the storm drain area with a wire brush to remove dirt and debris.
• Position the stencil on the storm drain where the mark will be most visible.
• Tape or hold the stencil in place.
• Spray paint the stencil making sure the paint does not go in the drain.  Two light coats of paint works best. 
• After marking your storm drain, please take a photo and note the following:
  • Location of the inlet
  • Condition of the mark*
  • Date of the mark's inspection or installation 

*If you find a storm drain that has already been marked, please still take a photo, note location and condition of mark.
*For simplicity it is recommended that you use an app that will take a geotagged photo for you:

GPS Map Camera Android, Google Play Store

GPS Camera 55, IOS, App Store

• Clean up.  Put the wet stencil in a large trash bag or on a large piece of cardboard
• Email Pearl Riverkeeper your geotagged photos
• Arrange to return your stencil to Pearl Riverkeeper 

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Storm Drain Marking Interactive Map

View larger map