Crews from Public Works and Councilmember Shannon Williams applied markers on storm drains in Westwood to deter dumping
Simpsonville, S.C. — The Simpsonville Public Works Department and Councilmember Shannon Williams of Ward 3 fanned out across the Westwood neighborhood in July to apply markers to about 70 storm drains as part of a stormwater project by the Greenville County Soil and Water District.
Provided by the Soil and Water District’s Stormwater Program, the markers read “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN * DRAINS TO RIVER” with a Spanish translation and a phone number to report dumping down the drain: 864-467-4610. The markers are intended to both make people think twice about dumping yard debris or trash down the drain and raise awareness about the importance of keeping drains to avoid clogging.
“Seemingly small acts like placing these awareness markers on storm water drains can make a difference in a time when storm water is such an important issue in neighborhoods like Westwood and across the City,” Councilmember Williams said. “Heavy rains prevent challenges to our infrastructure, and clogged drains only makes those challenges harder.”
Assistant Public Works Director and Public Works Streets Supervisor Chris Smith participated with other crew members to apply markers to storm drains around Alder Park and the portion of Westwood enclosed by Neely Ferry and West Georgia roads starting from Sellwood Circle and moving outwards. Not only did crews apply the markers – they also landscaped and cleaned in and around problematic drains in order to apply the markers at all.
Public Works Director Andy West made participation in the “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN” stormwater program a priority for his department.
“Public Works is here to pick up brush and trash and ensure City streets and roads are clear of debris,” West said. “If Public Works and residents work together as a team on preventative measures like keeping storm drains clear of any kind of debris so problems don’t even develop, one part of facing the challenges of stormwater will be addressed. Markers on storm drains won’t fix the entirety of stormwater issues, but they’ll make a difference.”
The initiative by the Soil and Water District has been dormant for years, and the Stormwater Program wants to revive it. By participating in the program, the City can begin countering behaviors that lead to clogged drains and jumpstart the program for other municipalities and unincorporated areas of the county to join.
Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell said this is just the beginning.
“We started in Westwood because it’s a neighborhood that’s been particularly hit by stormwater issues, but everyone knows that stormwater presents challenges throughout not just the City of Simpsonville but other municipalities and the county as a whole,” Campbell said. “City Council is planning to introduce the “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN” stormwater program to wards 1, 2, 4, and 5 as well.”
