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Drain Marking

August, 2008

Drains to Bay

[Bellingham, Wash.] This month the Northwest Straits Chapter of Surfriders received 1,000 “Drains to Bay” storm drain markers from DAS Manufacturing. With help and guidance from the City of Bellingham’s Public Works Department, chapter members can begin marking a majority of the 1,800 storm drain inlets that drain to Bellingham Bay. The goal is to bring awareness about water quality in Bellingham Bay and foster a continued dedication to pollution prevention.

Chapter member Brian Smart emphasized that working with local government officials doesn’t have to be an upstream battle. “At first the Public Works Department was leery of our proposal for custom logos. The initial fear was having a government agency ’supporting’ an individual group. After discussions with city officials we found a way to benefit both groups and achieve the same goal; water quality protection for Bellingham Bay.”

“The Surfriders are a capable group of dedicated individuals who care about the water quality in Bellingham Bay. Members came to us with a proposal and we agreed to sponsor the custom storm drain markers that include a phone number people can use if they observe someone pouring something down a storm drain. This is the kind of commitment and leadership we need in our community if we are going to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy.” said Joy Monjure, Public Works Education and Communications Coordinator.

Storm drain marking will begin in September and will help residents walking around Bellingham make the connection between surface water quality and the health of a marine ecosystem.

  • Mission Statement

    The Surfrider Foundation is an International 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches, for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

    Represented by over 50 national chapters, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico and international affiliates in Australia, Brazil, Europe and Japan.

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