Join us in the “SEEing Strong Storms” project
SEE is excited to announce the “SEEing Strong Storms” project joining science centers across the country in creating opportunities for our communities to prepare for the future.
Citizen Science
We are inviting individuals and families is the Merrimack River valley to collect data to help scientists understand the sources of plastic pollution. Strong storms wash road side debris into storm drains which then empty into the river and eventually the ocean. Collecting data is simple. Use the link below for step by step instructions and links to download the Debris Tracker App.
Why Strong Storms?
Data shows that extreme storm events are happening more often than ever before. New Hampshire has experienced many of these events in recent years. Storms have caused street and basement flooding, power outages and sewer overflow into the Merrimack River. “We are gravely concerned about extreme precipitation events” says Fred McNeil, Chief Engineer of the City of Manchester’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Public Works. “The EPD operates and maintains the city’s stormwater drainage system. Our current drainage system was not designed or constructed to accommodate: 1) today’s population, 2) today’s amount of impervious area, 3) today’s extreme precipitation events, and 4) today’s environmental regulations.” he explained. “Every infrastructure project EPD undertakes takes into account climate change and it’s impacts.” You can learn more about this issues affecting communities including ours in this #EyeOnEarth newstory from CBS This Morning
Why Citizen Science?
Public awareness of the issue and additional data will help our city and others plan to mitigate the impacts of strong stoms in the future. Dr. Alix Contosta a research Assistant Professor for the Earth Systems Research Center, at the University of New Hampshire says “I heavily rely on citizen science observation,” and “Extreme storm events are definitely relevant to my research”, “I am glad to hear the SEE Science Center and community will be collecting data to support researchers ” added Contosta.
Support
The SEE Science Center’s efforts are supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funded “Citizen Science, Civics and Resilient Communities” (CSCRC) project.
