Fishy Overhaul Provides ‘Grate Awareness’ of Stormwater Drains

ROTORUA 29.03.11: Have you ever wondered what the aluminium fish symbols mounted near local stormwater drains in the CBD represent? Perhaps you thought they were just a quirky trout decoration enhancing the city’s pavements?

The fish are in fact part of Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) ‘Grate Awareness’ campaign which was launched in the early 1990s to remind locals and visitors that anything that rain washes into the stormwater systems ends up in our lakes.

RDC trade waste officer Jacqui Mackle says the aluminium fish are now being given a major overhaul.

“They’ve proved to be a successful initiative for increasing awareness about the need to manage discharges into council stormwater drains which ultimately finish up in our lakes and water ways.

“However a more cost-effective, robust and colourful PVC fish are to be mounted near drains in schoolyards, sports grounds, business premises and in other locations where people need to reminding that stormwater travels directly into our lakes.”

RDC Pollution Control staff are also currently replacing damaged aluminium fish as well as installing the new PVC fish around the CBD.

Ms Mackle says she works with local businesses to assist them with cleaning up what comes off their yards and to help them take responsibility for managing their liquid waste.

If you think your organisation or group could benefit from having a colourful ‘Grate Awareness’ fish around your yard or you are aware of a stormwater drain that is of concern please contact the rotorua District Council’s Pollution Control unit on 07 348 4199.

The council’s pollution control service is available 24 hours a day.

ENDS

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