FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			April 8, 1997


Contact:	John Robinson  (831) 647-4237 or 4201
                        Maris Sidenstecker  (831) 647-4216

Sanctuary Storm Drain Project
Seeks Earth Day Volunteers

The Montery Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the City of 
Monterey are seeking volunteers  to help stencil storm drain 
warnings  from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19.

The event is part of the nationwide celebration of Earth Day.  
Participants will be instructed on how to stencil the warning ÒNo 
Dumping Flows to Bay,Ó on storm drain curbs, issued paint kits and 
assigned to specific locations. 

The warning, ÒNo Dumping Flows to Bay,Ó almost haiku-like in its 
simplicity,  is used throughout the Sanctuary coast to remind people 
that storm drains are a potentially toxic portal to a larger world and 
the ocean beyond.

Urban run-off, the constant washing of pollutants into storm drains 
from city streets and residential areas, is one of the largest sources of 
toxic pollution in Sanctuary waters.  The warnings are reminders 
not to dump motor oil, fertilizers, paint and other such pollutants 
into storm drains. 

Those wishing to volunteer should contact Maris Sidenstecker, 647-
4216.