Cory Galliher
Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland —
CUMBERLAND — Cumberland is taking steps to improve the quality of its storm water by marking storm drains using logos de-signed by area residents, a process that is hoped to help improve the water quality of the Potomac River.
The markers are stickers placed over storm drains to denote their location. The designs on the markers were created by Samuel Wakefield and Caleb Warner. The program is funded using a $4,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and additional funds donated by the Allegany Arts Council, enabling the city to order 375 markers. Since there are more than 1,000 storm drains in Cumberland, only around a third of the city will be marked at first.
“These markers are basically a water quality message for the people of the city,” said Cumberland Environmental Specialist Raquel Ketterman. “They say ‘No dumping, drains to the Potomac River.’ It’s to remind people not to pollute storm drains because the water going down the drain eventually ends up in the Potomac River.”
A youth group from the Central Assembly of God Church placed 50 of the markers on Frederick Street on July 23. Kettermen said that she’s still seeking volunteers to place more markers in August.
“Marking storm drains identifies where the water that’s shed from people’s buildings and the rest of the watershed goes,” said Kelly Martin, Regional Watershed coordinator with the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council.
“It helps ensure that the storm drains will contain messages to keep the water clean so the water quality will improve,” added Martin. “I’m hopeful that it’ll make a difference in the water quality, and it probably will help if people are mindful.”
Parties interested in volunteering to place markers can contact Ketterman at 301-759-6604.
Cory Galliher can be reached at cgalliher@times-news.com.
