| We are connected to our wetlands and streams via our storm drain systems.
This model is the answer to the 'black box' of last year's model. The model
features road surfaces, yards, a driveway, two storm drains, a manhole
cover, underground catch basins and pipes, and the discharge pipe to a
local stream - with its accompanying issues. (See details below.) |
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Acton Stream Teams
Acton Storm Drain Systems
(Model features)
Storm Drain Stenciling
1. Non-point sources of pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides,
litter, sediment, petroleum products, and nutrients and pathogens from
pet waste are washed off of our YARDS, DRIVEWAYS, and STREETS, by rain,
snowmelt, and outdoor watering into our storm drains. (See Storm Drain photos.)
2. Storm Drains: Located at low points in streets, these keep our streets
and yards from being flooded.
3. Storm Drain Catch Basins: Some of the heavy sediment and other pollutants
settle to the bottom of these catch basins. They are periodically cleaned
out by the Acton Highway Department.
4. Connecting Pipes: Usually made of concrete, these straight pipes may
carry some pollutants along with the water through the storm drain system.
This is especially true during heavy rains when the volume and velocity
of the water carry even heavy particles through the system.
5. Manhole cover: Provides emergency access into the storm drain system.
6. Manhole catch basins: These are located at turns and grade changes, so
that the system of straight pipes can follow the road’s curves and topography.
Heavy materials may also settle to the bottom of these catch basins.
7. Drainage pipes: In Acton a large majority of these empty directly into
a stream or wetland.
Only developments built since the mid-1980’s may include detention basins
which delay, but do not stop, the entry of stormwater runoff into local
streams and wetlands.
Clay-lined retention basins are located in a very small minority of Acton
developments. In sensitive ground water protection zones, these retention
basins help prevent the most polluted stormwater from reaching ground water
and local surface waters.
8. Stream: The final destination of the stormwater/runoff. Problems in streams
(See photos) that originate from our everyday activities in our yards, driveways,
and streets include:
8a. Excess sediment that changes stream habitat, and transports nutrients,
petroleum products, etc. into streams.
8b. Sheens on the water caused by petroleum products. These along with herbicides,
pesticides, car antifreeze etc. are toxic to aquatic life.
8c. Excessive plant growth due to excess nutrients from lawn fertilizers,
pet wastes, faulty septic systems etc. When the plants die, the result
can be foul odors, and an insufficient oxygen supply for aquatic organisms.
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