AUBURN – The group behind the Rubber Ducky clean water campaign is enlisting local mechanics in efforts to keep pollution off city streets, parking lots and curbs.

The group’s latest campaign centers on automobile service providers, like automobile repair shops and car washes.

“Hopefully, they have the best opportunity to protect the storm water in the community,” said Kristie Rabasca, an environmental engineer working with the Think Blue Partners. “They have more contact with potentially dangerous chemicals than most.”

Four local auto service shops met with Rabasca on Wednesday in Auburn Hall to learn more about the campaign. They are Sullivan Tire, Hebert’s Auto, Gendron Auto Repair and Auburn Motor Sales.

Each must agree to adopt at least five of several clean storm water practices. Those include keeping trash covered, cleaning up spills and handling potentially hazardous fluids like old engine oil, gasoline and brake fluid. They can also recycle as much as possible and not pour wastewater down a drain or into a stream. In return, the businesses will be included in Think Blue advertising campaigns and promotions.

“It might give you the boost you need to step above some other business when a customer is calling,” said Think Blue’s Christine Rinehart. Most storm drains in Lewiston and Auburn lead directly to the Androscoggin River, Lake Auburn or one of several ponds or tributaries. Motor oil, pesticides or other kinds of trash left on curbs or dumped down the drains can wind up polluting the river or the drinking water supply.

The Think Blue effort began in 2005 with an advertising campaign equating the trash with rubber duckies.

Each business gets stickers to affix to the front door, showing its participation. Members of the group will be listed on the thinkbluemaine.org Web site and will get promotional funnels to give to customers and plastic service reminder stickers for their cars.

It’s the first program of its kind in Maine. Scott McComish, business-to-business specialist for Sullivan Tire, said he thinks it will work.

“It just makes good sense,” he said. “You do have to treat the environment well, and something like this helps.”