News Release
August 4, 2004
The Butler County Storm Water District, in cooperation with the Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), will be conducting its first series of storm drain labeling efforts. The first labels will be installed August 14 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ascot Downs subdivision just off of Morris Road in Fairfield Township and August 21 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hughes Woods subdivision off of Princeton Road in Liberty Township.
Storm drain labels are simple and effective best management practices to prevent non-point source pollution from entering waterways in our community and those downstream. The stencils are intended to make urban and suburban homeowners think twice before dumping material down the storm sewers and into rivers, streams, and ponds in their neighborhoods. Some common pollutants that people often unknowingly introduce into local watersheds include oils and automotive fluids, antifreeze, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, yard waste, dirt, and even the soaps and chemical cleaners used to wash their vehicles and siding.
The storm drain labeling program is conducted in partial fulfillment of one of six criteria goals set forth in the USEPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Permit for metropolitan areas with 100,000 or more people. The permit holder for regulated townships in Butler County is the Butler County Storm Water District.
Initial reaction to the program and demand for labels has been outstanding. If you or your organization would like to assist with future labeling projects or if you would like to see storm drain labels in your neighborhood, please contact Joel Thrash at the Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District, phone 513-887-3720. All materials required for label installation, including storm sewer maps and educational outreach pamphlets will be provided to any interested neighborhood.
