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Students conduct storm drain project

Environmental science students recently assessed storm drains on Delta State's campus.

For the past seven years, Dr. Baghai-Riding’s Materials and Methods in Environmental Science class has taken one lab period to monitor storm drains on the Delta State University campus.

Students locate the storm drains using GPS, note whether or not they need maintenance, and indicate if they have been marked with a no-dumping tag.

“Water that flows into a storm drain is not treated by a waste water treatment plant,” said Baghai-Riding. “Instead it goes directly into a stream or river and affects the quality of fish, insects and other wildlife. Storm drains can easily become clogged with leaves, lawn clippings, litter and other pollutants that can lead to storm backup causing flooding to streets and yards.”

Earlier this month, Debbie Veeder, Adopt-A-Stream coordinator with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation (MSWF) joined Baghai-Riding’s class. Veeder furnished supplies for this activity, including nylon mesh vests, storm drain markers, glue, buckets, wire brushes, brooms and litter bags. She also provided storm sewage markers to affix to storm drains that were not previously tagged.

More than 128 storm drains were surveyed around campus. Data sheets from this project are given to Facilities Management and MSWF. Veeder stated that Delta State University is one of the few areas in Mississippi that has marked storm drains.

“Storm drain marking is an easy way for citizens of all ages to get directly involved in reducing the amount of pollution in our rivers, lakes and streams,” said Baghai-Riding.

For more information about marking storm drains throughout the state, contact Veeder at dveeder@mswf.org.