JMS students to paint storm drains

On Monday, Jamestown Middle School students will spray paint “Keep it Clean – Drains to River” messages on storm drains in Jamestown, according to Jim Collins Jr., environmental scientist with the North Dakota Department of Health. The goal of the stenciling project is to remind residents of the importance of protecting water quality.

Storm water is not filtered through a treatment plant. Instead, storm water runs down street gutters and into drains that carry the runoff into nearby water bodies. Pollutants like oil, paint, yard waste and other trash can be carried to rivers and lakes, spoiling them for people and wildlife.

“Sometimes spray painting is more than graffiti — it can be a public service,” Collins said. “By painting the messages, the students are alerting the public that only storm water belongs in the drains. The messages will remind Jamestown residents that they play an important role in protecting North Dakota’s water resources.”

The Jamestown Middle School students have coordinated with city officials to stencil specific storm drains and catch basins following strict safety guidelines. The students also will clean up litter near the drains and record what they find. The stenciling project is supported by the community of Jamestown, North Dakota Department of Health and Jamestown Wal-Mart Store, which donated supplies for the project.

Tags: middle school, storm drains, community, schools, jms, jamestown