On Monday, GSU Water Quality Management students left their environmental footprint by cleaning the grills of storm water drains around campus.
Storm water drains, a vital part of the surface water system at GSU, are intentionally placed in low ground areas, on street curbs, and in impervious parking areas to prevent flooding from heavy rainfall.
Vehicle pollutants such as antifreeze, gasoline, oil and other solvents are washed into storm water drains when it rains.
Clogged drains prevent the efficient passage of surface rain water and can potentially cause flooding and pollution.
“It is very important that GSU students become environmental stewards in the community, said Dr. Waneene C. Dorsey, who teaches the Water Quality Management class in the Department of Biological Sciences.
As a community service learning project, water quality students removed cups, grass cuttings, paper and plastic straws from the grills of storm water drains.
Dr. Rory Bedford, Director of Service Learning, said the project was an excellent service learning activity for GSU students.
Later this semester, Dr. Dorsey and students will perform water quality tests on the City of Grambling Park pond for community service as well.