Fri 24 Apr 2009 04:20:09 PM EDT

News release
For immediate release

Yellow Fish are Showing up on Port Stanley Streets

Port Stanley, ON  – In partnership with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority(KCCA) and Trout Unlimited Canada, Port Stanley and Sparta Girl Guides painted the village yellow as part of the Yellow Fish RoadTM program.

The program involves volunteers painting yellow fish alongside storm drains. Information about Yellow Fish RoadTM and proper disposal of household hazardous waste is also distributed to area homeowners.      

“The yellow fish serve as a reminder for residents that rain and snow can wash fertilizers, pet waste, oil, anti-freeze and litter from sidewalks and roads directly into our local waterways,” explains Betsy McClure, Stewardship Program Coordinator for KCCA.  “Even washing your car in the driveway with soap could impact Kettle Creek.”

Urban stormwater pollution is one of the biggest sources of pollutants in rivers, streams and lakes.  In most municipalities, storm drains empty directly into local waterbodies and locally that means that sediment, chemicals and litter end up directly into Kettle Creek, untreated. 

Since the inception of the program in 1991, over 60,000 Canadians have participated, marking over 100,000 storm drains.  Between last year and this year, the Port Stanley and Sparta Girl Guides have marked over 100 storm drains in Port Stanley and distributed information to over 200 households.

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Betsy McClure, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
betsy@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
519-631-1270