Stencil 'drains to the river' markers on east Tacoma storm drains

Storm drains across east Tacoma carry street runoff straight toward First Creek, Swan Creek, and the Puyallup River, but most look like they lead to a treatment plant. People pour paint, oil, and soap into them without knowing. A curb stencil at each drain is a permanent one-sentence lesson. Standard: City of Tacoma surface water education program (storm drain marking); SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Proof: photo of each stenciled drain plus the route log Method (City of Tacoma surface water education program (storm drain marking); SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).): 1. Confirm the marking route and stencil kit with the city's surface water program. 2. Sweep the curb face beside each drain clean and dry. 3. Position the stencil and apply the approved curb paint evenly. 4. Log each marked drain's street corner on the route sheet. 5. Photograph each finished stencil with the drain visible, GPS-tagged and dated. Done when: photo of each stenciled drain plus the route log

Where

Storm drains along Portland Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98404

Pay

$160 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

photo of each stenciled drain plus the route log

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

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-18

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.