Storm
Drain Research Internet Activity
This activity is designed to help you learn about some devices that have been designed to help reduce the amount of pollution entering our waterways through storm drains. As you work through this activity, think about what you know about storm water runoff, the storm drain network, and how pollution enters this system. The pages you will visit are designed for professionals in the field of low impact development, so try not to get caught up in the technicalities. Use the pictures on the websites and the vocabulary list to help you understand how each device works. Good luck!! Part One:
(Links open in new window - close or minimize to return here.) 1. Device number one: click here. Read about the ultra-curb guard and look at the pictures, clicking on them for enlarged images. When you feel you understand how the device works, answer the questions below by clicking on the appropriate word. 2. Does this device work at the infall or the outfall? (use the vocabulary list!) 3. Is this device an insert or an exert? 4. Click on any pollutants that this device can capture. 5. Now click here to look at device number two. Read about the drain guard and look at the pictures, clicking on them for enlarged images. Pay special attention to the hand drawn pictures of the device at the bottom of the page. When you feel you understand how this device works, answer the questions below by clicking on the correct words. 6. Is this device an insert or an exert? 7. One of the models of the drain guard has a non-leaching oil absorbent pillow. What does this mean? A. The pillow is securely fastened to the device so it won't float away. B. The absorbent material in the pillow will not dissolve into the water that passes through it. C. The pillow is not meant to be used as a cushion. 8. Click on any pollutants that this device can capture. 9. Click here to see device number three. Read about the SNOUT, using the diagram to help you understand how it works. Once you feel you understand this device, answer the questions below. 10. This device is can be referred to as a retrofit? What does this mean? A. It can be installed into a storm drain already in use. B. It can fit a variety of storm drain pipe sizes. C. It is available in a variety of cool retro colors and patterns. 11. Does this device work at the infall or the outfall? 12. Click on any pollutants that this device can capture. 13. Click here to see your final device. Study the information on the floating netting trash trap. Click on the drawing to enlarge. When you feel you understand how this device works, answer the questions below. 14. Does this device work at the infall or the outfall? 15. Does this device catch primarily non-point source or point-source pollutants? 16. Click on any pollutants that this device can capture. Part Two:
Now that you are an expert on storm drains, you might have some ideas about designing your own pollution catchment device. You have at your access tons of information from your storm drain vocabulary list and your internet research. Using your research and creative ideas, design your own device for preventing pollution from entering our waterways via storm drains. As your brainstorming, consider the following questions: How does it work? Where is it installed (infall or outfall)? On what types of land use would it be most effective (residential, schoolyards, businesses, construction sites)? What materials are required to build it? What are the costs to build it? What are the costs to maintain it? Does it catch a wide range of pollutants (sediment, litter, oil, vegetation) or does it target just a few? Use these questions to guide your writing, but be sure to include any additional information that helps the reader understand why your design is desirable. Remember this is your device, so think hard and be creative. If you think you have a great idea, write a few paragraphs about it, including the information listed above, and e-mail it to us at slurrp@livingclassrooms.org. We'll write back with feedback on your work! |