|
|
Public Education and Outreach
The public education and outreach minimum control measure consists of best management practices (BMPs) and program elements that focus on development of educational materials designed to inform the public about the impacts of stormwater discharges on waterbodies. Educational materials generally describe how the public can help to reduce pollutants in stormwater.
This Minimum Control Measure requires MS4s to develop and implement an ongoing public education and outreach program that describes the impacts of stormwater discharges on waterbodies, the pollutants of concern and their sources, and steps that contributors of stormwater and non-stormwater discharges can take to reduce the pollutants.
In certain areas that have current Watershed Improvement Strategies and/or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocations, the regulated community is required to address specific types of contamination in their education and outreach program such as phosphorous, nitrogen and/or pathogens. Additionally, the program must address specified sources of these contaminants whether from septic systems, construction sites, fertilizer use, animal or pet wastes.
Target audiences who are in need of stormwater education and outreach must be identified and the education and outreach programs should be tailored to the specific needs of each group. Such audiences may include but are not necessarily limited to: elected municipal officials, municipal planning and zoning boards, municipal staff (e.g. attorneys, planners, engineers, highway superintendents and building code officers), homeowners and small businesses, schools and other educational venues, civic associations and non-profit groups, construction community, and entities with a greater than average potential to generate stormwater pollution such as oil change facilities and fueling stations.
The MS4 is also required to develop measurable goals that are used to help gauge permit compliance and the effectiveness of the education and outreach program. The measurable goals should reflect the needs and characteristics of the area being served by the MS4. Additionally, the education and outreach program should be kept current by conducting periodic reviews of the goals and activities to ensure that they remain appropriate and effective.
To meet the public education and outreach program requirements, the MS4 has selected the following Best Management Practices (BMP's) and activities to ensure the reduction of all pollutants of concern in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable.
|
Website Development
Description of BMP/Activity:
The development and use of this website, itself, provides the public with educational information on all aspects of the MS4's stormwater management program and meets many of the requirements associated with the public education and outreach program. For example, the pollutants of concern, potential sources of pollutants, waterbodies of concern, geographic areas of concern, and steps that can be taken to reduce pollutants in stormwater are specifically described in various sections of this website Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Brochures, Fact Sheets and other Printed Materials
Description of BMP/Activity:
Create and/or customize brochures, fact sheets and other printed materials for distribution. This information may include hard-copies of materials such as bill stuffers, door hangers, fact sheets, etc. that will be distributed to specific audiences. It may also include information, brochures, documents, articles, and fact sheets posted to appropriate sections of the website. A combination of general information as well as more audience specific brochures and fact sheets may be developed. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Library of Educational Materials
Description of BMP/Activity:
Establish a library containing information specific to stormwater management and the MS4's stormwater management program Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Target Audience Identification and Distribution Lists
Description of BMP/Activity:
Identifying primary target groups is important to ensure needed information, education and outreach is appropriately distributed. It is equally important to develop and maintain current mailing and electronic contact lists for primary target groups and stakeholders within the MS4s jurisdiction. The specific type of education and/or outreach provided to each audience may also be determined as part of this activity Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Newspaper Articles and/or Ads
Description of BMP/Activity:
Newspapers articles are one of the best forms of free education and outreach concerning stormwater management. Articles may be written by a professional reporter covering news and events or may include press releases written and submitted by the MS4. Paid advertising in newspapers are also another form of public education and outreach included within this BMP Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Newsletters
Description of BMP/Activity:
Newsletters provide for a locally controlled and continuous stream of stormwater information. Newsletters can be specific to only stormwater issues or can include stormwater education and outreach information as part of a general community wide or agency newsletter. Newsletters may be used to remind targeted audiences about stormwater issues, update them on regional and local program activities and events, advertise participating businesses, or recruit volunteers for public participation activities. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Displays and Posters
Description of BMP/Activity:
Displays at community events, festivals, conferences and seminars are an effective means of distributing stormwater information and building public awareness. The display may be specific to a particular audience or may be general in nature. Posters are also effective and may be placed in public locations such as schools, libraries, and municipal buildings Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Television/Radio Announcements
Description of BMP/Activity:
Develop or customize public information or public service announcements to be aired on local radio or cable stations. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
School Programs
Description of BMP/Activity:
Classroom education can play an integral role in any stormwater management outreach program. Providing stormwater education through schools conveys the message not only to students but to the parents. Such programs may involve partnerships between educators and experts to ensure age appropriate material is developed. A range of educational materials and aids can be provided including: simple photocopied handouts, overheads, posters and slide shows, or more costly and elaborate working models and displays. The program may also involve a year-long study or a single presentation or activity. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Watershed and Tributary Signage
Description of BMP/Activity:
A watershed or tributary signage program provides for public education and awareness of the boundaries of drainage areas contributing to local water resources. Signage may be placed to identify public water supplies areas, watersheds, rivers, streams and lakes Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Storm Drain Stenciling
Description of BMP/Activity:
Storm drain marking or stenciling involves labeling storm sewer inlets with painted messages or prefabricated plaques, warning citizens not to dump pollutants into the inlets. The messages are generally a simple phrase or picture to remind the public that inlets and storm sewers systems connect to local waterbodies and that illegal dumping pollutes those waters. The benefits associated with this activity include increased public awareness - educating and demonstrating to the public the direct link between the storm sewer system and the surface waters to which it drains. Additionally, stenciling programs can provide an opportunity for public participation and/or volunteer monitoring projects Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Promotional Give-Aways
Description of BMP/Activity:
Promotional giveaways are small tokens bearing informational and educational slogans - given free to the public to help raise awareness of stormwater issues. Examples of promotional items may include calendars, Frisbees, magnets, key chains, tote bags, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, or baseball caps. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Workshops and Presentations
Description of BMP/Activity:
Organize and hold workshops or community presentations to educate stakeholders such as citizens, local school groups, community leaders, local and state government representatives, contractors, developers, and business owners. Such workshops may be in the form of a presentation by guest speakers, discussion with a local stormwater management panel, a public meeting, or any type of interactive, information-sharing or educational event. Training seminars for municipal employees, developers, contractors or local board members may be included as part of this activity Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
| |
Administration of Public Education and Outreach Programs and Policy
Description of BMP/Activity:
Establish Public Education and Outreach program responsibility, communication, coordination and authority within local departments and agencies. Evaluate existing capabilities, identify needs and designate key staff and their roles in the Public Education program. Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed
[ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year.
[ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle.
[ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
[X] Unspecified.
|
Regulated communities are required to collect and report information about the development and implementation of their stormwater program. Specific information that the MS4 is required to collect is generally included in the Annual Report and may also be reflected in related Self-Assessments (as applicable). MS4s are also required to identify "Measurable Goals" that will help them evaluate accomplishments and progress over time. The following "Measurable Goals" have been specifically identified for this Minimum Control Measure:
- Number of brochures/fact sheets (topics) developed
- Quantity of printed material distributed
- Number of direct mailings conducted
- Number of individuals on distribution lists
- Number of newspaper articles published
- Number of readers reached (publication sales figures per edition).
- Number of webpage "hits"
- Number of newsletters distributed
- Number of workshops, training seminars and/or presentations conducted or sponsored
- Number of attendees at workshops
- Number of radio/television announcements
- Number of locations of displays or kiosks
- Number of school programs conducted
- Number of students reached
- Number of storm drains stenciled
- Number of watershed/tributary signs posted
- Changes in behavior, attitudes, and awareness
- Changes in water quality
Activities and BMPs that have been accomplished to date for this Minimum Control Measure are included within the required MS4 Stormwater Annual Report form and Municipal Compliance Certification. Copies of these documents can be found at the following link (Annual Reports). Copies of various documents and specific products relating to this minimum control measure are included under "Related Documents".
A summary of the effectiveness of this program, associated BMPs, activities and an assessment of measurable goals can be found under the heading "Program Reporting and Effectiveness".
|
