Communication Studies

Kingston, RI—April 23, 2008. Students in a URI Honors Communication Studies class marked storm drains on the Kingston campus on Upper College Road, April 22^nd between 8:00 and 9:15 a.m. This activity was one of many Earth Day events at URI.

"I hope this project made the students more aware of the pollutants in water runoff, and that they realize they can change their behavior now to improve their immediate surroundings," said Lorraine Joubert, RI NEMO director. Excess water travels, picking up trash, cigarette butts, car oil, or whatever else lies in its path. The water winds up in the wetlands behind the dorms, along the athletic complex on route to White Horn Brook, and finally to the Great Swamp. Areas along Flagg Road lead to the Chipuxet River. Both streams flow to the Pawcatuck River and eventually reach the ocean in Westerly, without being treated first. We, in turn, use these natural resources for recreational pastimes or our own water.

The marking was done by URI students and their instructor, Joanne Mundorf. Dave Prescott, from Save the Bay, instructed them about the proper storm drain marking process, and the classed marked several drains along Upper College Road and the south side of the Quad. Students filmed the activity to create a training video for future students to contribute to the ongoing project. The University of Rhode Island plans to continue marking URI storm drains by including a marking session in the URI 101 classes for incoming freshmen in Fall 2008.

"I really admired the enthusiasm from the students," said Andy Alcusky, Project Manager at the URI Utilities Department. "They showed a great interest in the environmental issues," he added. Alcusky provided the students with supplies and materials to make the project possible and safe. "It was great working with them to help raise awareness and contribute to the campus activities on Earth Day," he said.

Sponsors of the storm drainmarking project include Rhode Island Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (RI NEMO), Save the Bay, and URI's own Student Action for Sustainability. For more information about RI waters, contact Joubert at 401-874-2138 or ljoubert@uri.edu, or visit www.uri.edu/ce/wq/NEMO/index.htm.

HPR118 students participating in the project include Rebecca Arenas, Katherine Babula, Brian Benson, Samantha Jalette, Arielle Kippax, Dorian Mambelli, Michelle McCarthy, Michael Nozick, Angela Olenik, and Shirley Yung.