Extension
It Starts With Us
Community Stormwater Management
Healthy Home and Environment
Rideout
Urban Environments (water issues)
Storm water management for municipalities has become increasingly difficult and expensive for local communities. In addition, communities are beginning realize the impact of storm water in their environment.
With more and more parking lots, roads, and rooftops contributing to the problem, storm water management is becoming even more important. Storm water runoff also picks up and carries with it many different pollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. It comes as no surprise then that storm water runoff is the number one cause of stream impairment in urban areas.
To reduce the impacts of runoff on urban streams, EPA expanded the Clean Water Act in 1987 to require municipalities to obtain permits for discharges of storm water runoff. As a result, many communities have adopted regulations requiring developers to install storm water management practices that reduce the rate and/or volume and remove pollutants from runoff generated on their development sites. Part of the permit requires community education.
To reduce pollutants associated with storm water runoff.
The average homeowner and for profit producers will understand and follow best practices, labeled rates, and soil sample recommendations when applying pest control products and fertilizer to their property.
To educate the community on the impacts and economics of stormwater runoff.
Initial Outcome:better understanding of stormwater impacts
Indicator: number of attendees
Method: sign in sheets
Timeline:summer/fall 2017
Intermediate Outcome: Properly applying pest control products and fertilizer
Indicator: number of soil samples and in person contacts regarding fertility/pest management practices
Method:soil sample/contact counts
Timeline:annually
Long-term Outcome: Reduce overuse of fertilizers and pest control products
Indicator: Client reported
Method: personal consultations/farm visits
Timeline: 2019
Audience: Contractors, homeowners
Project or Activity: Rain garden design
Content or Curriculum: Extension publications/state publications
Inputs: demonstration of raingarden construction
Date: summer 2017
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Training on soils and fertility
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener manual
Inputs:MS4 permit coordinator seminar
Date: Fall 2017
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
