The city of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has introduced a new sticker campaign to prevent pollution from running into downtown storm sewers.

Placed on top of 150 storm drains are 4-inch, white, blue and green circular emblems with a logo and the words “Don’t Pollute. Flows to Waterways.”

The city and the Waldorf School of Saratoga's Roots and Shoots Environmental Club have been putting out the stickers since 2002. The small tabs cost $2 each.

Times Union reports that the program is designed to raise awareness, and is coordinated by Albert Flick, a senior engineering technician in the city Public Works Department. Flick works with Tim Scherbatskoy, a high school biology teacher at the Waldorf School, to coordinate the public awareness campaign.

About eight students participate in the club, while others volunteer when it is time to place the insignia.

This educational effort is part of the city's storm water management program. The city is complying with federal and state guidelines to raise public awareness and increase public participation.

The city also hopes to prevent illicit discharges, control construction runoff, have post-construction runoff controls installed and work on pollution prevention.

Times Union reports that the campaign to draw attention to the city's storm drains will move out of the downtown area next year.

Flick and Scherbatskoy are also working on a brochure this winter that will explain what the logo means and the importance of keeping pollution out of storm water.

Source: Times Union