FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2008
WILMINGTON, Del.
— The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is now accepting entries on behalf of the Delaware Department of Transportation for the 2008 “Clean Water Begins and Ends With You” Drawing Contest, an annual art competition for kindergarten through 12th grade students throughout the State of Delaware.
For the past five years, the non-profit National Estuary Program has partnered with DelDOT to hold this popular art competition, the purpose of which is to educate thousands of children every year about stormwater runoff pollution, the leading cause of water contamination throughout the Delaware Estuary.
First-place drawings from four age categories will be featured on bus-back advertisements celebrating the 38th anniversary of Earth Day. These, along with 12 other award-winning entries, will be published in a calendar available for free to the public. Other prizes to be awarded at a ceremony in April include framed certificates, a variety of art supplies, and gift cards ranging from $25 to $100.
“This contest has proved to be an effective tool in our quest to educate young people about the impact of stormwater runoff pollution,” said Randy Cole, environmental program manager at DelDOT. “By teaching children about this important issue at a young age, we’re hopeful they can be spurred to action as young adults.”
The first school to submit 100 qualified entries or more by the February 29 deadline will also receive a $500 gift card for school supplies.
Stormwater runoff occurs whenever water from rain or melted snow flows over watertight surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and streets. Rather than naturally soaking into the ground, this stormwater picks up debris, chemicals, and other pollutants on its way into storm drains. It is then frequently discharged directly into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, drinking water and more.
To learn more about this form of non-point source pollution and the DelDOT “Clean Water Begins and Ends With You” Drawing Contest, please call Dee Ross at (800) 445-4935, extension 106. Entry forms and additional details can be found at www.DelawareEstuary.org.
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