New storm water drain markers important to base Published June 8, 2007 Courtesy of 1st SOCES HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- This year, approximately 150 storm drain markers have been installed on inlets in the residential areas on base. These shiny, brass discs bear the image of a crab and the message, "No dumping, drains to waterway." These marked storm drain inlets are "entrances" to the storm drainage system, which is a network of pipes and channels that is designed to carry runoff. When it rains, some water soaks into the ground. The rest of the water runs off of rooftops, yards, sidewalks and streets into the storm drain system. Runoff from Hurlburt Field eventually flows into the Santa Rosa Sound, Gap Creek, the East Bay River or a swamp. Unlike wastewater that flows in the sanitary sewer and is treated in a wastewater treatment plant, anything that flows through the storm water system drains directly into sounds, bays or rivers without being purified. This means that any pollutants carried by runoff or dumped into the storm drain system also flow directly to the waterways. The new storm drain markers were installed as a reminder that no dumping is allowed on Hurlburt Field. Some inlets may not have a marker, but all storm drains flow to waterways, so dumping is never okay. If Airmen dump litter, oil, antifreeze, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, grass clippings, leaves or any other pollutants in the drain, there are two important consequences - the downstream pollution and the damage to aquatic life. Pollution does not stop at the edge of the base. If Hurlburt Field pollutes, downstream waters feel the effects. In some cases, surface water is used for drinking water supply, and the more polluted the water is, the more it costs to purify it. Another effect of polluted water is that the plants and animals living in those waters are harmed. Even a small amount of oil can damage aquatic life. Oil creates a film over the surface of the water that prevents oxygen from entering the water - oxygen plants and animals need in order to live. Other pollutants such as nutrients in fertilizers can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems in sounds or creeks, causing massive algal growth that uses up the oxygen in water other organisms need. Hurlburt Field is required to eliminate illegal dumping by a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under the federal Clean Water Act. For more information on what the base is doing to prevent pollution, view the online storm water training program at https://geobase.hurlburt.af.mil/16sow/ces/CEV/emcompliance/Water/AFHurlburtSWPP/home.asp. Storm water plans may be viewed at https://geobase.hurlburt.af.mil/16sow/ces/CEV/emcompliance/Water/stormwater.asp. For comments or suggestions, call the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron at 884-4651.