COQUITLAM, B.C., June 10, 2024 – Coquitlam residents and community groups are encouraged to help protect local streams by volunteering to mark storm drains with yellow fish.
The storm drain marking program is part of Coquitlam’s Adopt-a-Catch Basin program, which invites members of the public to become stewards of storm drains (also known as catch basins).
Storm Drain Marking Program Details
Yellow fish symbols are marked on the pavement near storm drains around the community to remind people that anything that goes down the drain impacts sensitive fish habitat and could affect our creeks, fish and wildlife.
Residents who want to volunteer to mark storm drains in their neighbourhood can pickup a kit from the City for free – contact the Environment Division by emailing WaterConservation@coquitlam.ca. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/StormDrain for more information and for an interactive map that shows storm drains near your home or business.
Open to individuals, groups and businesses, the Storm Drain Marking program offers members of the public a “grate” way to help protect the environment.
Why are Storm Drains Important?
With over 16,000 storm drains in Coquitlam, they play a crucial role in directing rainwater into the city's drainage system, ultimately affecting the local creeks and streams that support aquatic life.
How to Properly Dispose of Chemicals
Using storm drains to dispose of chemicals is prohibited and is dangerous to fish and wildlife. It could lead to penalties under the City’s Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw and from provincial and federal authorities. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/WasteWizard or www.rcbc.ca to search for safe disposal locations for chemicals.
Residents are asked to continue to be responsible and properly dispose of hazardous materials.
Ways to Help at Home
Follow these tips around your home or business to help protect Coquitlam’s network of creeks, streams and rivers:
- Wash cars on the lawn or at a car wash to prevent soapy water from entering the storm drain.
- Do not use pesticides on your lawn or gardens – visit www.coquitlam.ca/pesticides for safe alternatives.
- Fix oil and transmission leaks and recycle all used oil and antifreeze.
- Instead of hosing down walkways and driveways, sweep them to prevent the washing of litter, oil, and pollutants into storm drains.
- Never drain hot tub or swimming pool water or chemicals into storm drains – pool or hot tub water should be drained into the sanitary sewer. Search www.rcbc.ca for options to dispose of chemicals. In addition, do not drain or empty your pool or hot tub when it is raining, as this can overwhelm the sanitary sewer system and lead to sanitary sewer overflows.
- During home renovation and construction projects, keep dirt, paint and wet concrete away from storm drains and streams.
- Keep pets away from streams – animal waste is polluting and pets can erode streambanks and cause sediment issues in the water that disturb fish and wildlife.
Immediately report illegal dumping of substances at storm drains to the City of Coquitlam Engineering and Public Works Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan
Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that guides decisions and ensures the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community. The Environmental Sustainability Plan is organized into five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat. Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Plan at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.
Media Contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager, Environment
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca