City: The storm drain marker initiative is intended to stop any kind of debris from going into storm drains to avoid any flooding due to clogged drains and prevent pollutants from entering waterways and not intended to solve the complex and difficult challenges of stormwater flooding
Simpsonville, S.C. — In response to a story by Fox Carolina, Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell would like to clarify that the “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN” initiative is to stop any kind of debris, whether intentionally or unintentionally, from making its way into storm drains to prevent two problems: 1) flooding due to stopped up storm drains and 2) pollutants entering the waterways.
The application of markers in the Westwood neighborhood to storm drains to raise awareness about the hazards of dumping is not intended by the City of Simpsonville to solve what are very complex and difficult challenges of stormwater and stormwater flooding. City Council and staff continue to prioritize addressing stormwater challenges with the most cost-effective strategies and tools.
“The City of Simpsonville does not want any debris or trash to enter storm drains,” Campbell said. “While the City has received no reports of dumping in storm drains, it is unfortunate that dumping does occur throughout Greenville County, which is why the Stormwater Program by the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District is reviving this initiative. The City wants to also emphasize that debris and trash of any kind in storm drains can carry pollutants and contaminate our waterways.”
While flooding from clogged drains is a small source of stormwater flooding, clogged drains can indeed result in flooding. The aim of the “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN” initiative is to keep storm drains clear of trash, debris, and pollutants.
“The City also wants to clarify that participation in the initiative is at no cost to the City of Simpsonville as the Stormwater Program is graciously providing the markers, applicant, and signs free of charge and will continue to do so as the City expands the initiative throughout the city limits,” Campbell said. “We very much appreciate the resources provided by the Stormwater Program, which the City looks forward to working with on any other initiatives in the future that may benefit the Simpsonville community.”
Anyone with questions about “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN” can reach Campbell at jcampbell@simpsonville.com.