ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Have you ever noticed a small metal marker next to a storm drain that says, “No Dumping – Drains to Waterway”? These storm drain markers may be easy to overlook, but they play an important role in protecting local streams and rivers, and they are an important part of Robins Air Force Base’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System program.
What do storm drains do?
Storm drains are designed to collect rainwater and runoff from roads, parking lots, sidewalks and other paved areas. Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains do not lead to a treatment plant. Instead, stormwater typically flows directly to nearby creeks, streams or rivers, without any treatment at all. That means anything that enters a storm drain can end up in surface waters downstream.
Why storm drain markers matter?
Storm drain markers serve as a simple but powerful reminder that storm drains are part of the environment, not a disposal system. Their primary goal is to increase awareness and minimize pollution before it happens.
Markers help:
̶ Remind base personnel and contractors that storm drains discharge directly to waterways
̶ Reduce accidental dumping of materials like oil, chemicals or wash water
̶ Support pollution prevention education required under the MS4 permit
̶ Reinforce Robins AFB’s commitment to environmental stewardship
Even small releases such as soap from washing equipment or sediment from stockpiles can degrade water quality when carried by stormwater. Storm drain markers help everyone pause and think before letting something flow into a curb inlet or catch basin.
Storm drain markers at Robins AFB
As part of ongoing MS4 compliance activities, Robins AFB installs storm drain markers to reinforce stormwater awareness. The storm drain markers may be small, but the message they carry is critical. By paying attention to these signs and taking simple preventative actions, everyone at Robins AFB helps protect local waterways.
Stormwater Straight Talk is a quarterly column intended to educate and inform base personnel and families about stormwater management and water conservation. For more information, contact the Environmental Management Office.