Storm drain stenciling is a fun and hands-on Think Blue Team activity for educating students, community groups and others about stormwater pollution.

The stenciled messages, painted next to municipal storm drains, alert residents to the dangers of dumping items such as motor oil, pet waste, antifreeze, rubbish and lawn waste into storm drains, where they are transported into local rivers, streams and coastal waters.

In conjunction with the stenciling activity, you may choose to distribute information sheets or door hangers at nearby residences that list pollutants typically placed in storm drains, some of the effects these pollutants have on marine life and water quality, and suggested solutions for addressing the problem.

Studies in Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington have shown that stenciling works to raise awareness of pollution and stormwater runoff. Over 75% of people who have seen stenciled drains know where stormwater went, compared to about a third of those who have not seen a stenciled drain.

Stenciling Advice for Project Supervisors

Before the Stenciling Day

First and foremost—get permission! It's very important that you get permission from your municipal public works office to stencil storm drains (and also from business owners if you’ll be stenciling in private parking lots).

Once you’ve secured permission, notify the local media of your upcoming event. This is an opportunity to spread the Think Blue message to your community. If you’re working with students, they will be able to see their good work showcased.

The following is a preliminary list of needed materials:

• Storm drain stencils
• Door hanger cards / flyers (if desired)
• Map of stenciling area (ask Public Works or Storm Water office)
• Parent / guardian permission slips
• Letter of authorization from Public Works to stencil
• Traffic zone latex spray paint (note: 1 can = about 10 drains)
• Wire brush or whisk broom to clean gutter before painting
• Rubber gloves
• Traffic safety vests & cones (ask Public Works for a loan)
• Cardboard folder to sandwich wet stencils for transport
• Consider a large open box to place around stencil to shield against overspray
• A garbage bag to pick up litter you may find in the gutters

Remind stencilers to wear old clothes. Rubber gloves are also helpful, as are plastic bags worn over shoes. Bring rags to clean up paint on fingers, and plastic bags to bring back used gloves, rags, and any garbage you pick up.

You might want to consider making up "Wet Paint" signs to tape next to the stencils, and remove them at the end of the activity.

On the Stenciling Day

Choose a dry, sunny day—the pavement should be dry and warm.

Make sure that at least one person is designated as a traffic lookout/safety coordinator, alert for car and bicycle traffic.

Use the wire brushes or whisk brooms to sweep dirt away from drain so the paint will stay. Sweep into garbage bags—do not sweep into the storm drain!

Position stencil next to the storm drain inlet where the message will be most visible. Avoid areas where dirt and leaves will collect and cover the message.

Be careful of wind when spray painting. Spray very close to the stencil and make sure team members (and pedestrians) stand far enough back.

It might be helpful to use bricks, duct tape or large stones to hold down stencils. Avoid stenciling drains if a car is parked close by.

Protect against overspray: cut a cardboard box open to form a border around the stencil.

When spray painting the message, remember that two light coats are better than a thick single coat. Stenciled messages last for approximately two years on a paved surface.

While some team members are stenciling, have others visit with local residents or businesses to hand out fact sheets or door hangers explaining where the storm drains go, plus tips on how to prevent pollution from getting into their lake, river, bay or groundwater.

Rotate jobs regularly among the team members to avoid boredom and vary experiences.

Do not paint sidewalks, driveways, or any private property (unless you have received written permission from the property owner). Paint only on the road directly next to the storm drain.

Be careful not to drop supplies and personal items down the drain.

 Clean up: Place stencils in a cardboard folder for transportation. Open folders and lay flat in the sun to dry. When paint is dry store the stencils in their folder where they will be ready for your next pollution prevention stencil day.



Sample Letter to Chief Municipal Official

(Date)
(Mayor or Select person)
City Hall
Your Town, Your State


Dear ______:

I am writing to notify you that (name of group or school) will be conducting our storm drain stenciling project on (date and time). The rain date for this project is (date and time).

We will be stenciling with approximately 100 middle school students working in about 25 teams. Each team will include an adult supervisor. We are currently discussing with the Department of Public Works which city streets to stencil.

In conjunction with this activity, the students will be distributing educational flyers that list items typically placed in storm drains and alternative solutions to dumping them down drains, where they eventually find their way to (name of waterbody). Stencils of fish and the message "___________" will be painted with nontoxic white paint, as recommended by the DPW.

(Name of community)’s support for this project is greatly appreciated. It demonstrates your willingness to alert residents to water quality issues, and shows a dedication to finding ways to educate people about how they can make a difference. We invite you to join us for the stenciling activity.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,

(Storm drain stencil program coordinator)

Cc: Director, Department of Public Works
Chief of Police
Other coordinators (teachers, etc.)