SWPCA Review

2014 - 2015

Storm Drains and Catch basins

Storm Drains and Catch Basins

• Collect many things including:– precipitation, litter, oil and vehicle fluids, sticks,

leaves, cigarette buds, sand and silt• It is a good thing that debris stays at the

bottom of the catch basin!– Why?

• Towns clean (pump) catch basins– Stamford has > 10,00 to maintain

Urban vs. Rural Storm Drains

• Rural have more animals (like raccoons!)

Man holes

• Circle shape to avoid top from falling in

Sewers

• Cannot just say “sewers”– You must specify if you are talking about a storm

sewer or a sanitary sewer

Storm Sewer Outfall Pipes

• Positioned to prevent backflow• Use gravity• No swimming at these locations after a big

storm because of polluted runoff

Outfall Pipes

Sanitary Pumping Stations

• 1 in Dairen on Nearwater Lane

• Needed because of position to sea level, gravity cannot help get the sewage to SWPCA

Modern/Separate System

Repairing Pipes

1. Use camera to look for repairs2. Insert plastic tubing3. Pump steam into the tubing to expand it4. Pipe is sealed with plastic from the inside

Other Topics Mentioned

• Sewer system vs. septic system

• Paper that is flushed / put into the sanitary sewers via plumbing– Activity: Investigated which paper materials will

break apart

Frog Video Key Points

• Frogs (and fish) are decreasing in numbers or being born with birth defects because of polluted runoff

• Review of pollutants in runoff• Compositing• Natural pesticides: ladybugs, frogs, worms,

spiders, birds, bats – all eat bugs

Things we can do…

• Public service announcements• Rain gardens• Pervious vs. impervious ground surface

materials – make changes in our landscaping• Educate others!

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3583576.htm