September 18, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paint the Town Yellow!

Trout Unlimited Canada, in association with local approved partner, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) encourages you to “Follow the Yellow Fish Road.”  Since 1991, this nation-wide storm drain marking program has reached over 220 communities. This September and October, Sarnia will be one of the latest communities to paint yellow fish symbols on a storm drain near you!

Urban storm water pollution is one of the major sources of non-point source pollution in the rivers, streams and lakes.  Storm drains are those grates found next to the curb that collect local runoff from the street.  In many urban locations, storm drains empty directly into the local water bodies untreated.  Litter, sediments and chemicals can end up in the local water body through the storm drain system, especially in the spring with snowmelt and springtime rains.

The program consists of two main parts. Yellow fish symbols are stencilled next to storm drains. The yellow fish are a daily reminder to not pour chemicals down the storm drains and to properly dispose of any hazardous household chemicals, like used motor oil. For the public education component, Fish shaped door knob hangers are distributed to the neighbouring households explaining the purpose of the painted yellow fish. These brochures inform the residents that simple things such as washing your car in the driveway with soap can have a harmful effect on fish and other aquatic wildlife.  Environmentally-friendly alternatives, like using biodegradable soap, or using compost instead of fertilizer are a few of the suggestions for helping to reduce harmful effects.  Both components are held on the same day.  Upon request, Conservation Authority staff can also make a presentation to your group outlining the program before the painting day is booked. 

The SCRCA will be recruiting local youth-oriented organizations to participate in the Yellow Fish Road program this fall.  Typical participants include environmental organizations, outdoor recreation groups, church youth groups, science classes, youth branches of service clubs and anyone else that would like to participate in this fun and educational program.   If you would like more information on how your group or class can participate in Yellow Fish Road, or if you would like more ideas on how you can reduce storm drain pollution visit www.yellowfishroad.org, or contact Naomi Armstrong, the local Yellow Fish Road Coordinator for the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority at (519) 882-2399.

About Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC)

TUC is a not-for-profit conservation organization.  Founded in 1972, TUC’s focus is on volunteer-driven, member-based resource conservation.  TUC Chapter members volunteer their time and effort to preserve coldwater habitat within local watersheds.  TUC’s national office is in Calgary, Alberta.  www.tuccanada.org

About the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA)

The SCRCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario.  Its mandate is to conserve local renewable resources in the watersheds of the region.  "The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has as its mission, to provide leadership through coordination of watershed planning, implementation of resource management programs and promotion of conservation awareness, in cooperation with others."

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For more information contact:
Naomi Armstrong, Conservation Education Assistant or
Sharon Nethercott, Conservation Education Coordinator
519 882-2399
narmstrong@scrca.on.ca
snethercott@scrca.on.ca

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