Stencil the storm drains that feed the Grand Calumet River

Gary's storm drains run to the Grand Calumet River, a waterway that has carried a century of industrial abuse and is slowly being restored. Most residents don't know their curb drain feeds it; stenciled drains change what people dump. Standard: EPA nonpoint-source outreach practice + Grand Calumet Area of Concern restoration context; SDG 14 Life Below Water. Proof: GPS-dated photo of every stenciled drain Method (EPA nonpoint-source outreach practice + Grand Calumet Area of Concern restoration context; SDG 14 Life Below Water.): 1. Map the storm drains along the assigned blocks. 2. Sweep each drain lip clear of debris by hand and broom. 3. Stencil each drain with the approved 'Drains to River — No Dumping' marking. 4. Log each stenciled drain's location. 5. Photograph every stenciled drain with GPS and date on. Done when: GPS-dated photo of every stenciled drain

Where

Curb storm drains, blocks north of 4th Ave, Downtown West, Gary, IN 46402

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

GPS-dated photo of every stenciled drain

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-01

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–75 minutes. Method of record: EPA green-infrastructure inspection (bioretention / bioswale / permeable pavement function + maintenance)

Bring

• measuring tape
• GPS phone
• camera
• trowel / probe
• data sheet
• gloves

Steps

1. 1. Locate the GI asset; record GPS; identify the type (rain garden / bioswale / permeable pavement / tree filter).
2. 2. Photograph the asset, its inlet, and its outlet/overflow.
3. 3. Check the inlet and outlet for blockage (sediment, trash, mulch) and note whether flow can enter/leave freely.
4. 4. Check for standing water and estimate whether it drains within the design window (typically <24-48h after rain); probe media if dry.
5. 5. Assess vegetation/media condition and estimate sediment/trash accumulation depth.
6. 6. Note erosion, bypass, or structural damage and list the maintenance needed.
7. 7. Enter asset type, condition, inlet/outlet status, drainage observation, sediment level, maintenance needs, GPS, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Standing water persists > 48h after rain -> flag failed infiltration (clogged media) for rehab.
• Inlet or outlet blocked -> flag for cleaning; the asset isn't capturing runoff.
• Erosion, undercutting, or flow bypassing the asset -> flag for repair.
• Documentation only — no digging out media or altering structures.

What counts as done

• Asset type + overall condition recorded
• Inlet + outlet clear/blocked status recorded
• Standing-water / infiltration observation recorded
• Sediment/trash level + maintenance recommendations + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.