Project Summary (from Proposal) - Applied curb markers to over 500 catch basins located along the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound.

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1 Easygrants ID: 3015 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID: Long Island Sound Futures Fund Small Grants - Submit Final Programmatic Report (Activities) Grantee Organization: Town of Stratford, Connecticut Project Title: Storm Sewer Stenciling in the Town of Stratford (CT) Project Period 09/01/ /31/2011 Award Amount $6, Matching Contributions $6, Project Location Description (from Proposal) Stratford, Connecticut Project Summary (from Proposal) Summary of Accomplishments Stencil at least 25% of the Town of Stratford s storm sewers leading to the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. Project will reduce runoff and nonpoint source pollution. - Applied curb markers to over 500 catch basins located along the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. - Distributed over 1500 educational pamphlets regarding the effects of urban storm water pollution and its effects on the native ecosystem. Discuss the effects of stormwater runoff with residents directly. - Published numerous articles in the local Stratford Star educating people regarding the program, the reasons for stormwater marking and the effects of the urban watershed on Long Island Sound. - Organized community groups to help with the execution of the field work associated with the grant. Lessons Learned - The stormwater curb markers proved to be a much more efficient, cost effective, and environmental friendly way to complete the project. - Stenciling the catch basins with paint and stencils proved to be messy and inefficient. - The educational aspects of the project involved community outreach, distribution of literature, and articles in the local newspaper. The outreach program seemed efficient and reach numerous residents. The feed back from the general public was positive about the projects. - It was difficult to secure local volunteers to help with the field work portion of the project. A local boy scout troop was very helpful in completing the project. A local resident Chris Chabla partnered with the Town on the project in order to receive his merit badge. - The project involved a great deal of field labor over several weeks in the late summer and early fall of The work was done with a mix of DPW workers and local volunteers. Future attempts at marking storm sewers would be quicker since it is no understood that marking paint is not the preferred method. - The volume of catch basin markings proposed under the grant (1,600) was beyond what was capable for the Town based on the available labor resources and volunteers. It would take a significant amount of time and money to complete the goal of all of the catch basins within the town. - There have been fewer illicit discharge calls reported since the project was completed. Conservation Activities Progress Measures Storm Sewer Marker Applied # BMPS installed Page 1 of 18

2 Value at Grant Completion 500 Conservation Activities Volunteers involved in Storm Sewer Marking Activities Progress Measures # of volunteers engaged in project Value at Grant Completion 25 Conservation Activities Public Official Involved in Marking Project Progress Measures # public officials involved in activity Value at Grant Completion 2 Conservation Activities Total Number of Markers Applied Progress Measures # of educational signs Value at Grant Completion 500 Conservation Activities Articles in Local Newspaper Progress Measures Other Activity Metric (Educational Articles in Stratford Star) Value at Grant Completion 5 Conservation Activities Number of Pamphlets Distributed to Residents Progress Measures # of educational signs Value at Grant Completion 1500 Page 2 of 18

3 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP VEHICLE MAINTENANCE Wash your car on an unpaved surface. Check your car, boat, motorcycle and garden machiery for leaks. PR EN T S LOC Clean up spill and fluids with an absorbant materials like sand or speedy dry. Recycle used motor oil. LAWNS AND GARDENS Use pesticides and herbicides sparingly. Sweep up yard debris. Cover piles of dirt and mulch cultivate plantings on bare spots in yard. HOME REPAIRS Sweep up and properly dispose of constructions debris such as concrete and mortar. Use hazardous substances like paint solvents and cleaners in the smallest amount possible. Clean up spills immediately. PET CARE Clean up pet wastes outdoors by bagging it or flushing it down your toilet. Dispose of litter in the trash. SEPTIC SYSTEMS C D T ST Pump your septic system regulary. Page 3 of 18

4 STORMWATER RUNOFF Stormwater runoff is excess rain and snowmelt that flows over the ground. As this water flows over driveways, streets, parking lots, lawns and sidewalks; it picks up loose debris, chemicals, dirt, garbage and other pollutants. Stormwater flows into drainage ditches and catch basins which are a part of Stratford s municipal sewer system. Untreated stormwater runoff is directly discharged into local lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and coastal waters causing a significant amount of harm to the near by environment. THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION Water that we all use for drinking, swimming, fishing, boating, and other forms of recreation and enjoyment can be harmed by the flow of polluted stormwater runoff. High bacteria levels in lakes and other bodies of water can result in the shut down of swimming, hazardous wastes that flow into lakes and streams will poison fish and humans. Trash and debris washed into local lakes and rivers can also choke birds and small animals. WHAT YOUR TOW In 1972, Congress enacte Act to prohbit the dischar into waters of the U.S. fr such as a wastewater trea Congress prohibited po discharges as well. governments were assigne protecting the quality o that they discharge f into the waters of t Municipalities ar prepare and fo stormwater m Municipalities streets and cle catchbasins reg debris out of the Municipalities w regulations that wil or discharging contam local sewer systems. M labeling storm drains a community of the negati point source pollution. Page 4 of 18

5 Long Island Sound Future Fund Town of Stratford Storm Sewer Stenciling Grant Photograph #1 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Photograph #2 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Page 1 of 3 Page 5 of 18

6 Long Island Sound Future Fund Town of Stratford Storm Sewer Stenciling Grant Photograph #3 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Photograph #4 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Page 2 of 3 Page 6 of 18

7 Long Island Sound Future Fund Town of Stratford Storm Sewer Stenciling Grant Photograph #7 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Photograph #8 Description of Photograph: View of Storm Drain Marker Location Photograph Taken By: Brian Carey Date of Photograph: June 2012 Page 3 of 3 Page 7 of 18

8 Town of Stratford Pollution from Storm Drains Storm drains in the Town of Stratford flow directly to nearby streams, rivers, ponds and the ocean. This creates an express path for pollution and run-off to pristine and fragile ecosystems and our local environment and ultimately Long Island Sound. Everything that rainfall washes down the storm drains including garbage, pet wastes, and harmful oil and chemicals end up in waterways that we all use for swimming, boating, and even drinking. The chemicals washed into waterways can cause an oxygen deficiency for many aquatic creatures such as fish, turtles and frogs and harm many fragile ecosystems around our community. Garbage dumped and washed into storm drains can find its way into our waterways and not only tarnish the beauty but cause more harm for all types of animals that are supported by the specific environment. Water pollution leads to weed and algae growth which are both unsightly and dangerous to ecosystem. The dumping of used motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and hazardous waste all cause a major harm to the waterways of Stratford. Stratford s 97% of developed land which is heavily residential with all forms of industrialization along the coastline leads to a great deal of non-point source pollution in the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. The water that flows from storm drains in Stratford can carry fecal bacteria from pet waste, salt and sand, oils, debris and fertilizers into these coastal waters. The dumping of any substance that one wouldn t swim in or drink can cause harm not only to animals, but to citizens and our community itself. Stratford s relationship with its beautiful and resourceful waterways is actively threatened and endangered by the dumping and pollution from runoff through our towns storm drain system. As part of a small grant that was awarded to the Town of Stratford from the National Fish and Wildlife Found Long Island Sound Futures Program, the town is implementing an local awareness program aimed at teaching its citizenry directly about these environmental impacts caused by the effects of stormwater generated by our everyday lives. Local Eagle Scout candidate Chris Chabla from Troop 71 is working in conjunction with the Town of Stratford s Page 8 of 18

9 Conservation Department to identify and mark specific catch basins with educational signage indicating that urban stormwater runoff and particularly dumping in catch basins is harmful to the local environment. Mr. Chabla recently stated, in the process of trying to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout I wanted to focus on a project that helped not only the residents of Stratford but also the local environment. I think that it is very important that people not only my age but of all ages strive to be better stewards of the environment. This project will help educate the people of Stratford on the effects of pollutants and stormwater runoff. The project will kick off October 1 st, 2011 and will coincide with the Stratford Great Meadow Marsh Bird Festival. More information regarding the effects of stormwater runoff and pollution can be found at Long Island Sound Study Website: Furthermore, illegal discharges or dumping to catch basins or to the street can be reported to the Town of Stratford at the Department of Public Works at (203) Page 9 of 18

10 Date: May 31, 2011 Subject: Town of Stratford To: Town of Stratford Phone: Attn: Brian Carey 550 Patterson Ave. Stratford, CT From: Bob St. John Phone: Fax: SIGN Lite Inc. is pleased to offer you our proposal to Furnish and Install the following: Item Qty Description Unit Cost A 3 ¾ x 8 Custom curb markers $ $ $ $5.00 B 1 5 oz adhesive tube $13.00 Terms: Net 30 Upon receipt of signed authorization to above terms and deposit, Sign Lite will proceed with production. Please feel free to call if you have any questions. Proposal Notes: Unless otherwise noted, this proposal does not include: a) Design, permits (if require, by others), shipping, surveys and variances b) Landscaping, electrical feeds, controls (timers, etc.) and final connection c) Cutting/patching/painting of any surfaces d) Off-hours shop and/or fieldwork These items are priced as a package. SIGN Lite reserves the right to review our pricing if the scope of work is reduced. Quotation valid 90 days, after which, pricing may be reviewed. Sincerely, Bob St. John Project Manager BSJ/sjg Authorization: By (print): Date: Title: In the unlikely event you do not meet your payment obligations you will be responsible for the cost of collections, including reasonable attorney s fee. Page 10 of 18

11 1st Ave 2nd Ave 3rd Ave 4th Ave 6th Ave Airway Dr Allyndale Dr Ash st Avery St Baxter St Bayview Blvd Beacon St Bell Terrace Birch St Bittersweet Ln Brewster St Bridgeview Pl Brightwood Ave Bronson Rd Brookside Dr Burr Pl Captains Walk Cedar St Charlton St Cherry St Clemens Dr Cove Pl Crown St\ Curtis ave Curtis Ave Diane Terrace Duke Dr E Main St (Railroad bridge to Bittersweet Ln) Elk Terrace Emerson Dr Freeman Ave Frog Pond Ln Glenavon St Glendale Rd Glenridge Rd Glenridge Rd E Grove St Hall Rd Hartland St Hawkins St Hemlock St Homestead Ave Housatonic Ave Hudson St Hurd Ave Hyde Terrace Inwood Rd Page 11 of 18

12 Ivy St Jefferson St Landon St Laughlin Rd Laurel St (1/2) Lordship Rd Maple St Marchant Dr Margherita Lawn Maureen St Minor Ave Montero Dr Norman Circle Oak Bluff Ave Oak Terrace Ocean Ave Orchard St Osbourne St Ox Bow Ln Park Blvd Patterson Ave Pauline St Peck St Pine St Platt St Plymouth St Prim St Prospect Dr Riverdale Dr (1/2) Riverview Pl Ryegate Terrace Shoreline Dr Short Beach Rd Spruce St (1/2) Stratford Rd Terrill Rd Torsey St Vermont Ave Victoria Lawn W Hillside Ave Walnut St Ward St Washington Pkwy Wilcoxson ave Willow Ave Page 12 of 18

13 Do You Know the Word on the Street? The Town of Stratford is stenciling an important message on storm drains for the storm water management program to promote a healthy storm sewer system and healthy water for our community They re Doing What? Volunteers are stenciling a No Dumping message next to storm drains that go to local creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. But Why? Because storm drains flow directly to nearby rivers and streams, not to waste water treatment plants. Your city street is really like waterfront property and everything that rain washes off of your roof, yard, and driveway goes to the nearby water used for swimming boating, and maybe even drinking. In addition, anything that is dumped into these drains, such as used motor oil, paint, or excess pesticides, goes directly into a local stream. Stenciling will remind everyone homeowners, business owners, developers, and other citizens not to dump anything into storm drains so we can protect our water from storm water pollution that may close beaches, cause unsightly weed and algae growth, and even kill fish! This Pollution comes from where? From all of us! Storm water picks up litter, yard waste, excess lawn fertilizers and pesticides, leaking oil on streets and parking lots, pet wastes in parks and. on lawns, and dirt from construction sites. All together, this adds up to more pollution than industries make! What can I do to help? Never dump substances down a storm drain that you wouldn t swim in or drink. Spread this simple message to everyone you know, other ways to help include: Use less fertilizer on lawns Recycle used oil Pick up pet wastes Dispose of household hazardous wastes responsibly. Page 13 of 18

14 TOWN OF STRATFORD Final Programmatic Report Narrative National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID: Long Island Sound Futures Fund Small Grants - Submit Interim Programmatic Report - Basic Grantee Organization: Town of Stratford, Connecticut Project Title: Storm Sewer Stenciling in the Town of Stratford (CT) Project Period 09/01/ /01/2010 Award Amount $6, Matching Contributions $6, Project Location Description: Stratford, Connecticut 1. Summary of Accomplishments - The Town was able to mark approximately 500 catch basins throughout Town that were determined to be at most risk for discharge into adjacent surface water bodies. - Town developed a comprehensive list of high risk storm water catch basins and inventoried the results. - Town developed and distributed approximately 1,500 pamphlets regarding the effects of urban storm water and illicit discharges on the surrounding ecosystem. - Town organized a pool of approximately 25 volunteers from local service groups including the boy scouts to help facilitate the field work and outreach on the project. 2. Project Activities & Outcomes Activities The Town was able to mark approximately 500 catch basins throughout Town that were determined to be at most risk for discharge into adjacent surface water bodies. Town developed a comprehensive list of high risk storm water catch basins and inventoried the results. Town developed and distributed approximately 1,500 pamphlets regarding the effects of urban storm water and illicit discharges on the surrounding ecosystem. Town organized a pool of approximately 25 volunteers from local service groups including the boy scouts to help facilitate the field work and outreach on the project. Discrepancies - The Town was unable to complete the goal of marking approximately 25% of the Town s catch basins. The lack of a large volunteer base and the lack of Town resources made it difficult operationally to complete the entire proposed scope of work. - The Town was able to mark approximately 500 catch basins as part of the project. Page 14 of 18

15 Outcomes The Town of Stratford was able to mark approximately 500 storm sewers to protect against illicit discharges Over 1000 pamphlets and door hangers were distributed to local residents educating them against the impacts and effects of urban storm water runoff on local ecosystems. Reduced the amount of illicit discharge calls that were received by the Department of Public Works from the Housatonic and Lordship Sections of the Town of Stratford. 3. Lessons Learned The Town learned several key lessons regarding the grant. The Town found it difficult to attract a large number of volunteers to complete the entire scope of work on the project. The Town would have been better positioned to partner with another user group who could have helped execute portions of the grant. The local Boy Scout troop was an excellent resource as the primary volunteer group on the project. The dissemination of educational literature through both physical distribution of the material during the field work and through local newspaper articles appeared to be an excellent strategy. Based on the positive feedback that was received, the local citizens appeared to enjoy the educational handouts and appreciated the effort of the Town and local scout troops. Since the work was completed, there has been a decrease in the amount of reported illicit discharges to the Town s storm sewer. The Town learned that the traditional method of stenciling storm sewers using pre-cut stencils and marking paints proved to burdensome, costly, and not as environmental friendly as using pre-made sewer markers. The pre-made storm sewer markers decreased the amount of field effort that was required to complete the project and lead to a more positive experience for the volunteers. The Town tried to have a local new channel cover the event so that it could be aired on the local public access channel. However, there were no news organizations that were interested in covering the event. 4. Dissemination As part of the project, the Town of Stratford and its volunteers completed public outreach by directly addressing homeowners during the field work portion of the project. Volunteers handed out door fliers and education pamphlets to the local citizens. Furthermore, booths were setup at the local Bird Festival to discuss the impacts of urban storm water on the neighboring Housatonic and Long Island Sound ecosystems. Page 15 of 18

16 Several articles were published in the local Stratford Star to educate the citizens about the program and the effects of urban storm water on local resources. The Town received positive feedback from many citizens regarding the dissemination of the information at the local level. 5. Project Documents Include in your final programmatic report, via the Uploads section of this task, the following: Photograph Log has been attached as requested. The log shows the several sites were the catch basins were properly marked as part of the grant. The following documents were also supplied: a. Final List of Streets that were Marked b. News paper Article detailing the Project c. Educational Pamphlet that distributed to Households. d. Door Hangers that were distributed to Households. e. Material Quote from Signlite Page 16 of 18

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