BALTIMORE, MD - Residents in five Baltimore communities are getting new hardware meant to keep trash out of the storm drains – and out of the streams and harbor.

Inlet screens are devices that fit into the storm drain inlet along the curb.  The screens allow water, but not litter, to pass through.  When there is a heavy rain, greater than one inch, the screens are designed to open so that flooding does not occur. Inserts fit within the storm drain catch basin, out of sight, to make sure any trash that gets past the screens or the grates does not get into the storm drain pipes.

In addition to causing a mess on streets and in the waterways, debris can cause pipes and storm drains to clog, and may lead to flooding and cause storm drain pipes to fail.

Inlet screens and inserts are being installed by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) in McElderry Park, Oliver, Baltimore-Linwood, Carrollton Ridge and Franklin Square.

“Storm drains are meant for storm water, not trash,” said DPW Director Rudy S. Chow, P.E.  “By catching litter before it reaches the streams, this program should point the way to cleaner waterways and even cleaner streets.”

Baltimore will get 414 storm drain inlet screens at a cost of $573,696. Work began April 4 and is expected to be complete by April 15.  The contractor is United Storm Water, Inc. 

All of the modified inlets are located on a weekly mechanical street sweeping route. That way any trash or debris that is blocked by the screens is whisked away by the street sweeper.  DPW Utility Maintenance crews will clean the inlet screens and inserts on a monthly basis.  

Regardless of whether their neighborhood has storm drain inlet screens and inserts, citizens are encouraged to help with the success of this program.

1. Report any problems with the storm drain inlets or screen, such as breakage or vandalism by calling 311 right away.
2. Make sure that vehicles are moved on street sweeping days.  This will allow the street sweepers to collect any trash or debris that has accumulated in the gutter or at the inlet. 
3. Adopt an inlet, and keep it clean. This could be done with any inlet. Keeping trash out of the street and gutters helps protect our streams and waterways, and reduces the chance of creating flooded streets or pools of standing water following storms.