JTCC and county partner to fight water pollution

Storm drains on John Tyler Community College's two campuses are now labeled, identifying the waterways impacted by the drains' runoff.

Many people don't realize that trash, debris, fertilizers and other chemicals that run off from parking lots, roadways and yards into storm drains pollute local waterways and often end up in the Chesapeake Bay. In an effort to raise awareness and educate members of the community, John Tyler Community College (JTCC) has partnered with the Chesterfield County Department of Environmental Engineering to label more than 70 storm drains located on the college's Chester and Midlothian campuses. The effort is being led by members of the college's facilities department.

The blue storm drain labels, provided by the Chesterfield County Department of Environmental Engineering, say "No Dumping" and identify the streams that receive runoff water from the campuses, so that passersby understand which waterways are directly impacted. "After the Storm," an educational videotape on the impact of storm water runoff, is also being made available to faculty, staff and students.

The following actions can help make a difference in the health of waterways:

• Collect litter, pet waste, leaves and other debris and dispose of it in trash containers to keep debris out of storm drains.

• If using chemicals on your lawn and gardens, carefully follow the directions on the label, apply them sparingly, and only apply them during periods of dry weather.

• Never dump oil, antifreeze, paints or other chemicals into storm drains and sewers.

• Use household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous.

For more information, visit www.chester field.gov, select "Environmental Engineering" under the "County Departments" menu, and click on "Water Quality" on the left-hand side of the screen.

Organizations interested in the storm drain labeling program should contact Heather Barrar at the Chesterfield County Department of Environmental Engineering at 748-1920.