Stormwater Education & Events

STORMWATER EDUCATION & OUTREACH EVENTS

The City offers opportunities for residents, businesses and, civic groups to get involved in their local environment:

Image of a Storm Drain kit.Storm Drain Stenciling

The City's Storm Drain Stenciling program is a volunteer effort that involves painting a specific, City-approved stenciled message on the storm drains throughout the community, encouraging residents to keep our storm drains clean. Volunteers, either individuals or groups, must complete a short application and Hold Harmless agreement before checking out a Storm Drain Stenciling Kit. City staff helps volunteers select an area for stenciling and provides maps to aid in the project. Kits and maps must be returned within a week of checkout. Student and scout community service hours are available; however, court-ordered community service hours are not offered for this program.
 

Image of Stream Team volunteers collecting litter and debris.Stream Team

The City's Stream Team is a volunteer effort that involves collecting litter and debris from specific sections of local streams. Public Works typically organizes large, community events in the spring and fall, with smaller events offered for groups, such as scouts, as individual requests are made. Student and scout community service hours are available. Court-ordered community service hours are not offered at these events. At the large events, lunch is provided along with trash bags and gloves. Prizes are awarded for the most unique items collected.

The next Stream Team events will be held April 20 and October 12.

Volunteer 

Image of Adopt-A-Street volunteers removing litter from a residential street.Adopt-A-Street

The City's Adopt-A-Street program is a volunteer effort that involves collecting trash, litter and debris from specific segments of City-owned streets and rights-of-way.  Residents, civic groups, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate. Volunteers must complete an application for Adopt-A-Street and return it to Public Works before a designated street segment is assigned. Volunteers can review the list of adoptable streets to see if there is a street segment they would prefer.

Volunteers who collect litter at least four times per year will receive a certificate of appreciation and recognition on a City 'Adopt' sign posted on each segment end. The City will provide bags for the events and will collect full bags upon completion.

Contact the Public Works Department at 816.969.1800 or via email at publicworks@cityofls.net if you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities.


STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The City's Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is a requirement of the City's mandated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.  The City received a new permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) that is effective beginning December 1, 2021, through September 30, 2026. The City's SWMP is updated annually, in compliance with the MS4 permit requirements.


STORMWATER PUBLICATIONS

In addition to the outreach events, the City has several educational publications and videos available to aid residents and business owners:

Clean Streams Brochure

Development Erosion Control Booklet

Know Where Your Water Goes Insert

Stormwater Activity Booklet

Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Restaurants

Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Developers

Videos on LSTV or Videos on YouTube

The City of Lee's Summit is also a participating Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) member. MARC's Water Resources Division has terrific stormwater education publications and videos that residents and businesses can utilize.