Mural Highlights Storm Drain Concerns

Our wastewater treatment plant is located along Salem Sound, right on the water near Winter Island. Current campers from the island and Salem residents who own RVs may access our RV Disposal Station on a seasonal basis. Unfortunately, some people who dump here may accidentally spill their RV waste which could flow directly into the Sound through the rainwater-only storm drain located nearby. Storm drains are essential to carry away surface rainwater that would otherwise flood roadways, but they are not treated prior to going into the water.

It is critically important that no trash or contaminants enter storm drains. To help address this concern three years ago and encourage better behavior, SESD tried a new approach by way of a mural to raise awareness. Over time in the elements the mural faded away, so SESD reached out to our water quality partner, Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW), to see if they had a volunteer artist who would like to paint a new mural for the drain.

Salem high schooler, Yareimee Abreu, took on the challenge. Prior to opening day of the station, Yareimee designed and came to paint a colorful ocean scene around the drain with Susan Marsh from SSCW. We hope it reminds RV owners not to leave waste behind, and clean their waste line in the appropriate area away from the drain. We sincerely thank Yareimee and Susan for their fantastic work and are grateful for their passion for protecting our waters! If you, or someone you know, would be interested in volunteering to paint storm drain murals with SESD, please contact us so we can learn more and discuss next steps.