Green Venture is launching a new program to help keep our waterways clean and protect our communities from floods. Before we dive into the program – let’s talk catch basins!
What is a Catch Basin?
Catch basins are a kind of stormwater infrastructure that catches stormwater runoff and redirects it into our sewer systems.
In Hamilton there are two different types of sewer systems, combined and separate. In combined systems stormwater and wastewater is combined and all of it goes to the wastewater treatment plant to be treated and put into Hamilton Harbour. In separate systems stormwater and wastewater is separated into storm and sanitary sewers respectively.
If you want to learn more about these two systems, check out this Summer Rain Blog post. A buildup of debris in catch basins can lead to surface flooding. One of the best ways to help prevent flooding is to make sure that catch basin grates are clear.
Join the Catch Basin Ambassador Program!
Looking to get more involved? Join our new program and become a Catch Basin Ambassador!
All the information needed to clean the catch basins in your neighbourhood will be provided through this course. This online tool will take 45 min to 1 hour to complete and you will receive a certification on how to clean your catch basin and several factors that may play into stormwater management in Hamilton.
The free Catch Basin Ambassadors course includes resources for cleaning catch basins safely and includes further education on nonpoint source pollution, catch basins, and separate and combined sewer systems in Hamilton. The course is set up into five sections along with a few questions about each section. After completion of the course you will also receive a certificate and a summary of the course. This course can be counted towards high school community service hours as well.
After completing the course, or looking over the materials you can pledge to clean a certain number of catch basins. To do that fill out this form: Catch Basin Cleaning Pledge
If you’re interested in cleaning up some catch basins, pick up a litter kit to get started! The next time litter kits will be available for pick up is October 27th at EcoHouse before and during the Enchanted Forest event and on October 25th join us for a Stewardship Stroll down Barton! Make sure to follow Green Venture on Instagram to see when litter kits are available to pick up next!
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