Storm Drain Markers to be Affixed to Curbs in Lexington Center

The first phase of a project intended to raise awareness about storm drains and the health of local waterways is getting underway this fall, when about 68 storm drain makers are installed on Lexington Center curbs.

Partnered with the town's engineering and conservation divisions, the Watershed Stewardship Program, which began last year, will facilitate placement of markers adjacent to storm drain grates throughout town.

The first phase includes affixing 68 markers downtown, with the ultimate goal of blanketing the entire town, likely next spring. The green, circular markers read, "No dumping, drains to stream," surrounding an emblem of a frog.

At last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting, watershed stewards Stew Kennedy, Carolyn Levi and Ned Eisner spoke about the importance of raising awareness about where water ends up after entering the storm drain system.

"We're looking for the places that are most visible to the most people," Kennedy said.

Storm drains in Lexington Center drain into the Vine Brook, one of the most important streams in the area, Kennedy said, which is why people shouldn't dump their excess coffee or other contaminants into the drains, he said.

"A surprising number of people don't realize the storm system and sewer are separate," said Kennedy. "All water goes into the storm system, and goes directly into the brook."

The stainless steel markers measure about 3.5 inches in diameter and will be attached to curbs above storm drains with an adhesive. The first phase of the project costs about $500, funded through the Engineering Dept.'s 2011 budget, Kennedy said.

The first markers – about 68 in total – will be placed throughout Lexington Center on portions of Massachusetts Avenue, Vine Brook Road, Depot Square and Edison Way, and Waltham, Clarke, Meriam, Muzzey and Grant streets.

Selectmen approved placement of the markers throughout town, which will be done by volunteer watershed stewards, on weekend days this fall. The work will not disrupt traffic.

"I think this program is superb," said Selectman George Burnell. "I look forward to the knowledge residents will have on disposing materials."

The project also meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements the town must comply with, Kennedy said. Similar markers have been installed in Concord, Arlington, Winchester, Weston, Cambridge and Boston.

The Watershed Stewardship group was established last year as an offshoot of the Lexington Conservation Stewards, which is a partnership between volunteers and the town's Conservation Division.

The stewards will be looking for volunteer scouts to map areas in neighborhoods and around schools that would be appropriate places to affix markers to the curbs. In areas where there aren't curbs near storm drains, a future phase of the program could involve stenciling near the drains, Kennedy said.

For more information on the stewardship programs, click here.