Category Archives: water

RVAH2O Storm Drain Art Project Announces Its Fifth Year

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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.

Rain Barrel Workshop At Main Library Tomorrow

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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

Next Week’s OHNA Meeting Will Include A ‘Know Your River’ Workshop

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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.

James River Cresting

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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.

James River Cleanup Approaches

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Oregon Hill is a riverfront neighborhood.

From RichmondOutside.com:

The biggest James River cleanup of the year is almost upon us, and there’s still time to lend a hand. The James River Regional Cleanup, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers can select from 18 different cleanup sites throughout the James River watershed. Visit www.jrac-va.org to sign up.

Now in its 19th year, the cleanup is a tremendous regional effort. Each year, volunteers remove hundreds of bags of trash and recyclable materials from the James and its tributaries. The cleanup also serves as the kickoff for James River Week, which features more than a dozen activities celebrating the river.

The cleanup is open to individuals, families, groups, boaters and paddlers. Bring water and gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. For more information, call 804-748-1567 or email info@jrac-va.org.

3rd Annual Doggie Dive-In At Randolph Pool Scheduled

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From FaceBook event page:

Join PRCF and Richmond Animal Care and Control for the final swim of the summer…except for the dogs! Treat your pup to entertaining canine activities.

Owners must be present with dogs at all times.
-Registration is limited to 50 dogs (25 Large dogs and 25 small dogs).
-All dogs should be socialable.
-Vaccination records will need to be provided during check in at the event.
-Dogs should be vaccinated for Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo.

Please call (804) 646-5733 for more information and to register. Pre-registration is suggested.