In Occoquan, raising recognition of runoff’s risks
{Submitted photo}
Alexandra Turner, 4, sits proudly on top of one of the storm drains she helped mark in the town of Occoquan. The markers purchased by the town indicate that there is no dumping, and that the stormwater drains into the Occoquan River.
Alexandra Turner noticed the colorful markers on some of the other drains in the town of Occoquan and wondered what it meant.
Turns out Occoquan was marking storm drains as part of the Governor's Stewardship Virginia campaign, which is a statewide initiative held twice annually to help citizens with projects that focus on enhancing water quality and educating the public about water resources.
The town purchased the markers and volunteers like Alexandra, 4, and Sea Scout Jonathan Kent and his younger brother Thomas have been helping place them.
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, a dramatic increase in impervious surfaces has helped make stormwater runoff one of the major factors contributing to the deteriorating condition of the Chesapeake Bay. One of the largest estuaries in the world, the Bay's watershed experienced an eight percent growth in population from 1990 to 2000, but a corresponding 41 percent increase in impervious surfaces.
Adding to the challenge posed by stormwater runoff, a surprising number of people are unaware that storm drains typically flow into local waterways without any intervening treatment. Occoquan has approximately 60 storm drains that empty directly into the Occoquan River.
The markers purchased by the town indicate that there is no dumping, and that the stormwater drains into the river.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-878-8062.
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