Storm Drain Marker Program

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it can pick up and carry away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, bayous, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water.

• Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas;
• Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and commercial developments;
• Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks;
• Runoff from irrigation practices;
• Runoff from abandoned sand and gravel mines;
• Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems.
  
  

 

Stormwater that drains into the watershed is a pollution source that is sometimes overlooked, and storm drain marking is an established, interactive method to increase community awareness about nonpoint source pollution. It is an action project for students and community involvement for adults.

Usually only wastewater is sent to a wastewater treatment system, so it is important to inform the public not to dump anything into storm drains. The goal of this activity is to dispel the idea that all stormwater gets treated before it enters the watershed, and create public awareness in an effort to reduce NPS pollution from entering our waterbodies.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality NPS unit can provide the public (supplies permitting) with up to 200 Storm Drain Markers to place in their community. If a larger quantity is required, additional markers can be purchased online.