Minimum Control Measure #1

Public Education and Outreach (PEO)

Program Objectives

Public education and outreach is a key component of proper stormwater management in Douglas County, as well as in meeting the Stormwater Phase II requirements. To that end the following PEO objectives are presented:

• Address public perceptions and attitudes regarding urban runoff and stormwater quality. Improve understanding why stormwater programs exist.
• Increase public awareness about urban runoff and its impact on the County’s natural resources.
• Educate the public about pollutant sources and what can be done to reduce urban runoff pollution.
• Encourage participation in County-based projects and activities that focus on pollution prevention.
• Achieve greater compliance with regulatory requirements through individual action.

Target Audiences

For the purpose of developing public education and outreach activities, the following sectors have been identified within Douglas County:

• Residential community
• Commercial / Business
• Industrial
• Development community
• Construction
• Other local governments, including other Stormwater Phase II permit holders, in the County.

Priority Messages

Douglas County will tailor education and outreach efforts to address the runoff issues and concerns most closely associated with each target audience. A variety of contact methods also will be used to reach the maximum number of people possible. In general terms the priority messages are:

• Careless or improper handling and storage of many materials and waste products can result in pollutants entering local water bodies or natural areas and degrading water quality.
• These discharges can affect wildlife, water quality, health, and eventually damage the quality of life in the County.
• Reduction of pollutants is a responsibility of the community as a whole, and can be achieved easily.
• The conveyance of stormwater is the major function of our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4), (including open space drainageways)
• The fluctuation of water levels within stormwater facilities is a natural and foreseen occurrence, as is the need for routine maintenance of these pipes, inlets and outlets, streams, channels and ponds.

Douglas County will work with other local and regional stormwater programs to investigate the ability to cooperatively produce and distribute educational materials, access audiences through the use of mass media, and include stormwater education activities in appropriate public events. Partners may include other special districts (Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, Highlands Ranch Metro Districts, Douglas County Public Schools), local governments (Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Rock), non-profit organizations (Center for Watershed Protection, League of Women Voters, Highlands Ranch Community Association), professional groups (Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers), and trade groups (Colorado Contractors Association, International Erosion Control Association).

Stormwater Hotline

Douglas County has developed a Stormwater Hotline for the general public’s use in reporting stormwater issues (e.g., illicit discharge reporting, erosion problems and other water quality issues, and maintenance requests) and requesting information. The Stormwater Hotline is advertised as a part of all education materials. A system for documenting and tracking all Hotline calls, including the status of follow-up activities, will be designed and implemented. The Stormwater Hotline is 303.663.6181.

2005 Public Education Activities

• Distribution of "A Citizens Guide to Reducing Stormwater Pollution" brochures to Douglas County residents and visitors.
• Public Service Announcement (PSA) aired on DC8.
• Presentations on request to various groups.
• Stormwater articles and PSAs in local newspapers.