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ACTIVITIES |
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Bright white signs
reading "Dump No Waste, Drains To River" and showing the outline of a
fish are being spray-painted at all the storm drains in Decatur's
streets this year to remind the public that "storm water pollution
begins with that drain on the street." Eichhorn said, "Everyone values clean water, but a recent national survey found that most of us still believe industry is the biggest source of pollution. "In reality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more pollution comes from the combined effects of common daily actions that rain and snowmelt rinse from our streets or farmlands."
(Fall 2006) Wastewater employee, Bob Gavin, and Storm Water Department Manager, Joan Eichhorn, canoe down the St Mary's river to check storm water outfalls for illicit discharge.
Pictured are Verlin Butcher Wastewater Assistant Superintendent, Joan Eichhorn Storm Water Manager, and Woody Stout Wastewater employee, at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. They recently tested a new “smoke machine” that was purchased by the City’s Storm Water Department. This gas powered machine forces environmentally friendly smoke filled air through the City’s sewer system to locate leaks and illegal connections. It will be used as part of the ongoing Rule 13 permit the City has been mandated to maintain from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. (Summer 2007)
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City storm drains and a series of
pipes collect rainwater and deposit it directly into nearby streams,
ditches, wetlands, or rivers, Eichhorn pointed out. (Spring 2005)
The Storm Water Department has a booth at, “Spotlight on Decatur” every spring to increase public awareness of good storm water pollution prevention practices.
Smoke exiting sewer outfall at Wastewater Treatment plant.
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