Storm drain stenciling meant to educate public on pollutants
Eighth-graders were painting in Lake Zurich neighborhoods Friday, but the exercise was about science not art.
The canvas for students from Lake Zurich Middle School South was the street in front of about 200 storm drains in the Countryside West and Sparrow Ridge subdivisions near the school.
They used white spray paint to stencil a message and the image of a fish as a reminder that whatever goes into the drain comes out in a local waterway.
Door hangers with advice, information and the message “Only Rain Down the Drain” also were distributed.
Part of a science class, the field trip was coordinated by teacher Amie Russo and sponsored by the village as part of its stormwater management program.
“We've partnered with the village of Lake Zurich to educate the public,” Russo said. “It helps us and our kids to do the hands-on portion.”
Eighth-grader Luke Jalove said the class has been learning about the potential dangers of dumping.
“I think it's pretty clear. I didn't think it was quite as important, maybe,” Jalove said.
Mayor Tom Poynton joined the dozens of students who hit the streets. He said it was an opportunity to get young people to think about their roles in protecting the local environment and that small actions can have a big impact.
The village periodically stencils the message near storm sewers, but doesn't have the resources to do the entire community, Public Works Director Mike Brown said. The reminders are meant to help the village's participation in a federal program to address water pollution by regulating the source of contamination.
“Even if we don't get the rest of them, we got out the message,” Brown said.
Pollutants found in stormwater runoff include motor oil, paints, antifreeze, pet waste and fertilizer that can damage wetlands and the habitat needed for fish and other animals, he said.
Storm drains in Lake Zurich lead to Flint Creek and eventually the Fox River or to Buffalo Creek and ultimately the Des Plaines River, explained Andrea Larson, municipal engineer with Manhard Consulting Ltd., a Vernon Hills firm that advises the village on engineering matters. The drains stenciled Friday were the latter, she added.
“There seems to be a misconception that all the stuff that goes into the (storm) sewer is treated but that's not the case whatsoever,” she said.