It is tragic that the James River and Kanawha Canal was recently backfilled beside the Tredegar Iron Works. The water from the canal provided all of the power for the Tredegar Iron Works. The underground raceway for the water remains on the site.
From press release:
RVAH2O, a public education initiative of the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU), is seeking the talents of local artists ages 18 and up to help communicate the importance of keeping city storm drains litter-, leaf- and pollutant-free. The annual Storm Drain Art Project, which calls for artists to paint on city storm drains, is kicking off its fifth straight year. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 11:59 PM.
Twenty painted storm drains from previous contests currently adorn City sidewalks in Tredegar, Carytown, Northside, and Scott’s Addition. The City estimates that, each year, several thousand people walk by and view the drains. “Our goal is for artists to harness their talents to communicate a message that resonates with every Richmond citizen – that only rain should go down these drains,” reports Jenn Clarke, DPU’s stormwater outreach coordinator. “It’s creativity for a cause.”
This year’s chosen artists will paint their designs on storm drains in Shockoe Bottom. The art should reflect the goals of the RVA Clean Water Plan – the City’s five-year roadmap for reducing pollutant discharges into the James River, starting with wastewater, stormwater, and the combined sewer system. Artists are encouraged to think creatively and design a drain that will inspire Richmonders to keep our waterways clean.
An independent panel of judges from DPU will select four designs to be painted on designated drains in April 2020. Selected artists will receive a $400 stipend for their work and materials; DPU will provide non-slip paint, water and water tubs, and basic brushes.
Now in its fifth year, the RVAH2O Storm Drain Art Project has earned an award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and inspired similar programs in municipalities throughout the country. It has also earned recognition in two consecutive years from the Richmond Ad Club.
“We’re excited to continue this tradition for another year,” adds Clarke. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for local artists to display their work, and it’s an important environmental message for Richmond’s citizens and visitors.”
The Storm Drain Art Project is being conducted with permission from the Richmond Department of Public Works, the Richmond Public Art Commission, and the Richmond Planning Commission.
Visit RVAH2O.org for details. Submit art at http://www.RVAH2O.org/submit-art.
Event description:
Richmond city residents, join the James River Association at the Main Branch Library on October 29th for a rain barrel workshop!
Rain barrels are made out of heavy-duty plastic 55-gallon drums and connected to the gutter downspouts of residential homes, collecting rain runoff. Stormwater moves quickly over the paved surfaces in urban environments, picking up pollutants on its way to the James River. By collecting water from a rooftop to be used in a garden later, the total amount of contaminants being deposited into the river is decreased!
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Main Branch Library
101 E Franklin Street
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association president Todd Woodson sent an email reminder that next week’s OHNA meeting at 7pm on October 22nd at St Andrews Church will primarily consist of a presentation by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay concerning ways we can help waterways and especially our precious James River. The community is welcome to attend.
Not in the immediate vicinity, but for a good cause…
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association President Todd Woodson took these photos in Monroe Park today:
Mr. Woodson and other citizens are frustrated that the Monroe Park Conservancy has not been held accountable for what has happened to the park, including the stormwater problems.
A crew is scheduled to work today on this water utility problem on the 600 block of S. Laurel. Thankfully, there is no interruption of service expected.
It was a great day to walk down to the James River and hear it roar. Some experts said it would crest at 16.2 feet this evening, the highest it has been in 9 years.
Laurel Street neighbor Charles Pool made it down to Belle Island and took this photo:
Meanwhile, the Dogtown Dish folks went further downriver to Fulton and took this shot of the historic Intermediate Terminal Building and future proposed site for Stone Brewing’s World Bistro & Gardens.
Please pick up after your dogs. All of this gets swept into the river and no one, fish included, wants to swim with all this. Pet wastes are the major source point of pollution on this part of the James River.