When it rains, water rushes over roads and parking lots, roofs and sidewalks creating torrents rushing downhill and into Puget Sound. As the water runs over these surfaces, it picks up and carries with it a toxic mix of PCBs, copper (from brake linings and bottom paint), zinc, bacteria and more ------ a lethal cocktail for the marine life dwelling in the Sound. 75% of the toxins entering Puget Sound come from polluted stormwater runoff, not cargo ships or factories.
These invisible toxins accumulate in the tissue of fish, shellfish, seals, whales – throughout the food chain. Polluted stormwater is the #1 cause of pollution in Puget Sound!
Rain Gardens are one tool in a host of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. Rain Gardens handle both the volume of stormwater and treat the pollution. They can add beauty to the urban environment as well.
A Rain Garden acts just like a wetland or pond – trapping water then slowly allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. The soil breaks down excess nutrients, harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
The WCC Port Hadlock crew set themselves to finding a site for their rain garden. They wanted it to be in a location that would capture stormwater and be easily accessible for educational purposes. After considering several sites, the crew chose to install their rain garden at the Chimacum Schools. Look for it when you are in the area.
WSU Beach Watchers are expanding their efforts of Rain Garden Education to include a Rain Garden Mentors Program. Mentors are trained to help community members:
* select the right location: you need to test your soil (similar to the perk test for septic) to determine the best location. Some places, such as right next to your house or on a bluff are not good.
* design the garden: size the garden correctly for the amount of runoff you are treating.
* learn the steps of installing the garden: excavate 18”-30” of soil, create an entry for the water and an overflow area, level the bottom, add new soil mix (soil mix is very important)
* build a plant list: select plants that can tolerate wet to drier conditions.
* learn how to maintain your garden.
WSU has set a goal of 12,000 Rain Gardens by 2016 in Washington State– this would filter 160 million gallons of polluted runoff each year. Rain Gardens can be a cost effective and efficient way to deal with polluted stormwater run-off. If you would like to be a Rain Garden Mentor, contact the Extension office.