Not Down the Drain

Caitlin Monagle and McKenzie Hartman, environmental technology students at Minuteman High School in Lexington, Mass., have installed decals at catch basins that direct storm water into nearby Morses Pond, a local recreation area.

The decals alert residents to not dump paints, trash and other pollutants into drains.

Monagle and Hartman worked closely with a local Boy Scout troop as well as George Saraceno, Wellesley (Mass.) Department of Public Works senior engineer, who coordinates a townwide effort to educate people about stormwater management.

The students competed in SkillsUSA’s Community Action Project event. According to their contest report, stormwater management is crucial to maintaining a healthy watershed; preventing flooding, erosion and turbidity; and maintaining healthy habitats and supplies of drinking water.

Monagle (left) and Hartman install warning decals.
Photo: Alice Ofria, Minuteman High School
Used with permission.