Editor's note: Corrects a statement about the government giving a go ahead to Coun. Gary Smith for the program.
Students from Hutton Elementary painted yellow fishes beside storm drains across Grand Forks last week and it was in order to raise awareness about the dangers of allowing pollutants into the water system.
According to a teacher approximately 140 storm drains on 30 different streets had yellow fishes painted and with yellow being a colour that stands out, people should take notice.
City of Grand Forks Councillor Gary Smith said that people in the Grand Forks and Boundary region will be able to drop off any unused pesticides in the fall, although times and locations are yet to be determined.
Once the pesticides are collected they will be properly disposed of, although it is an expensive venture, according to the city councillor.
There will be pick up for pesticides and there is a system for recycling used motor oil and antifreeze but there should be more done to collect materials that could be harmful to the environment as it wouldn’t be surprising if there were people disposing of pesticides, oil etc. by dumping it into a drain or getting rid of the said items in less-than environmentally friendly ways.
It has been some time since a pesticide collection was done and there is a chance that some of the pesticides that are collected could be of the older variety and no longer useful.
Some of the businesses currently on the used oil and antifreeze recycling program seem satisfied with it but there were complaints from current businesses in the program (and former businesses), that people come after hours and make a mess when dropping off oil.
An oily mess that could seep into the ground and also get into the water system and do harm.
The quality of water is important, as witnessed by a plan for management of the Kettle River which is currently in progress, and more collection of harmful items such as pesticides and less mess for oil recycling is beneficial.
Good water benefits people and fishes that aren’t made of yellow paint by storm drains.
– Grand Forks Gazette