Public Invited To Go Green With Paint Project
RALEIGH, N.C. – Dozens of volunteers will gather to stencil water protection messages and brightly colored fish on storm drains located throughout the N.C. State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event is being organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in North Carolina and the nation. The stenciled images provide a strong visual reminder that everything that flows into storm drains also flows into our creeks, streams, rivers and ocean.
More than 200 storm drains are located on the fairgrounds’ 344 acres. Stormwater carrying litter, sediment and other pollutants enters the drains and flows first to the fairgrounds’ ponds affecting the ecology on site, then to nearby streams and eventually, to the Neuse River.
The Oct. 4 event coincides with the annual Big Sweep when thousands of people pitch in to help remove debris and trash from waterways across the state. Volunteers at the fairgrounds will do their part by painting messages that remind people not to litter and pollute waterways in the first place.
With this year’s fair expected to top one million in attendance, both state agencies hope to make the most of the outreach and education opportunity the event presents.
“Most people do not realize that a lot of stormwater is not treated, that it flows into our streams and rivers carrying pollutants with it,” said Division of Water Quality Director Coleen Sullins. “It may not be intentional when people add to stormwater pollution. They just don’t make the connection between what flows through storm drains and overall water quality. We’re going to help visitors to the fairgrounds make that connection between their day-to-day habits and protecting water resources for everyone’s use and enjoyment.”
Adds Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, “When you have a location like the state fairgrounds, which receives more than two million visitors each year, there is tremendous opportunity for educational outreach. We are pleased to team up with the Division of Water Quality to make visitors aware that things don’t just disappear down a storm drain–the contents affect the health and stability of regional river basins, local agriculture and ultimately, you and me.”
Boy and Girl Scout troops, schools, church groups, garden clubs, home-school associations and all other organizations whose members are middle-school age or older are invited to join in the storm drain painting project. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. in front of the Gov. Kerr Scott Building just inside the Blue Ridge Road entrance to the fairgrounds. Paint, stencils and gloves will be provided. The rain date for the event is Sunday, Oct. 5.
To register your group, visit www.ncstormwater.org or call the Division of Water Quality at (919) 807-6363.
