THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

Fall has officially arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and the wet season has returned with it. That means it’s time for Newcastle residents to begin monitoring their neighborhood storm drains. Properly functioning storm drains are essential to the safety of the Newcastle community. Storm drains capture stormwater runoff from paved (impervious) surfaces and pipe it to stormwater facilities before it is discharged to our creeks and Lake Boren.

Newcastle community members can help keep neighborhood storm drains clear by monitoring them for clogs from fallen leaves and needles. If your neighborhood storm drain is clogged with debris, use a rake or broom to clear debris and dispose of them in the garbage. Although leaves and needles typically go in the compost bin, debris from storm drains contains pollutants such as oil, gas, and sediment so it must go in the garbage.

If you cannot locate the storm drain on your neighborhood street, look for the “Puget Sound Starts Here” storm drain marker on the curb next to your storm drain. Storm drain markers remind community members that storm drains flow directly to surface water so we must keep pollutants out. They also help identify storm drains during flooding events.

Remember, safety first! Never attempt to unclog storm drains on busy streets. Wear bright clothing and watch for cars when unclogging storm drains on neighborhood streets. If the storm drain by your house is clogged and you cannot clear it, please visit www.newcastlewa.gov/report to submit a request to have it unclogged.  You can also contact Newcastle Public Works at 425.649.4444.