EUGENE, Ore. — Local officials are urging businesses to check and maintain their storm drains before heavier fall rains arrive, warning that months of accumulated debris can contribute to flooding and send pollutants into local waterways.
The Storm Drain Cleaning Assistance Program, or SCAP, cleaned 901 storm drains last spring, with more than 250 businesses participating.
During the dry summer months, storm drains can collect sediment, oil, litter, leaves and other debris, particularly around parking lots. When heavy rain arrives, that material can be pushed into the drainage system…