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.

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 Village of Clinton 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.

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:

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".