BROOKINGS — The city of Brookings and Sustainability Council are piloting a new program to encourage people to implement stormwater management practices on their property.

The Stormwater Incentive Program will kick off on Earth Day on April 22 and will provide opportunities to buy rain barrels and/or native plants at discounted costs. The incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The Stormwater Incentive Program is designed to help decrease the amount and improve the quality of stormwater runoff,” said City Engineer Charlie Richter. “The incentives provide opportunities for the community to help make a difference.”

The Engineering Division and Sustainability Council have partnered to offer the pilot program. Richter unveiled the program at the April 16 City Council meeting. People can learn more at www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/StormwaterIncentives.

Rain barrels collect stormwater runoff before it can be polluted, which helps break the stormwater pollution cycle, Richter said. “The rain barrels we are offering are food-grade barrels, which means they are free of dangerous dyes and chemicals,” he said.

Sustainability Council member Robin Buterbaugh is also a horticulture field specialist with South Dakota State University Extension. She said native plants improve water quality by reducing and filtering stormwater runoff.

A list of native plants approved for the incentive program, along with planting and care tips, can be found at www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/StormwaterIncentives.

“We have partnered with the SDSU Native Plant Initiative and participating local businesses to identify qualifying plants for this pilot program,” Buterbaugh said. “The plants can go in various locations. The goals are to reduce stormwater runoff and conserve water. Native prairie plants are adapted to our region’s climate and soil, and many species are drought-resistant. Once established, they do not require fertilizing or watering.”

 Rain barrels

To participate in the rain barrel program, the first 100 customers will receive one $30 credit per property toward their total purchase of rain barrels on a dedicated website. Ordering is available at https://rainbarrel.ca/brookings from April 22 through May 24. Buyers will use a coupon code at checkout to claim the $30 credit. The coupon code is listed on the website. Customers will be able to pick up their rain barrels from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 8 at the City’s Street Division at 125 Seventh Ave. The city will review and approve the purchases to ensure customers are city residents or businesses.

Native plants

To participate in the native plant program, residents can register for and pick up a voucher at the Engineering Division office in Suite 140 of the Brookings City & County Government Center at 520 Third St. Forty vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will need to present the voucher at the time of purchase from a participating local  nursery or business. They must submit the voucher with the original receipt to the Engineering Division for reimbursement.

A minimum purchase of $125 up to $250 must be spent on qualifying plants to receive the incentive. The reimbursement will be 50 percent of a qualifying purchase. Qualifying plants should be labeled as native or specifically for the city of Brookings Stormwater Incentive Program. In addition, qualifying plants must be rung up on an itemized receipt separate from other purchases.

To learn more about the Stormwater Incentive Program, visit www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/StormwaterIncentives or contact Engineering Technician Sean Doremus at 605-692-6629 or SDoremus@cityofbrookings-sd.gov.