Public Education and Participation

Recognizing that one of the most effective ways to protect our water quality is through pollution prevention, the City of Austell has a variety of information and educational programs designed to encourage environmentally responsible behavior at home, school, and work.  The following are some programs and activities sponsored or promoted by the City of Austell.

Adopt-a-Stream Program
The purpose of the adopt-a-stream program is to achieve the goal of addressing non-point source pollution in the City of Austell.  Adopt-a-Stream will focus more attention on non-point source pollution, stream monitoring, protection, and restoration. 

The City has chosen a portion of Sweetwater Creek, which runs behind Legion Field on Austell-Powder Springs Road. 

Storm Drain Curb Marker Program
In June 2001, the storm drain curb marker program was developed to educate the public about non-point source pollution.  Volunteers apply a curb marker that reads, “NO DUMPING … DRAINS TO CHATTAHOOCHEE” on catch basins and distribute door hangers shaped like fish to all homes in the subdivision.  Door hangers provide information about non-point source pollution and how they can help.  We are currently developing new policies that will require that all new developments put special manhole covers on catch basins that carry the “NO DUMPING … DRAINS TO CHATTAHOOCHEE” cast into it.

Educational and Informational Programs

As part of the approved modifications to the existing stormwater management plan, the following programs have been made part of the plan:

• focus on water quality of impacted streams

• compliance information on stormwater management

• clean water initiatives

• storm drain curb markers to be applied to catch basins

• distribution of fact sheets and flyers in utility bills, provide bumper stickers, and public education meetings and in schools

Due to increased requirements of the Clean Water Act and the importance of having clean water, now and for the future, the need for public awareness and education have become necessary.

The purpose of the education program is to inform the public on proper use of our stormwater system in order not to contaminate the public waterways and the water supply system. 

Education
1.  Awareness – Inform the public by organizing programs to address concerns and potential problems with the environment that can directly affect our water quality.  This will be done through the use of:

• civic organizations

• newspapers

• public service announcements

• posters

• special events 

• flyers

• media

• internet web site

On June 1, 2000, the City of Austell entered with the Atlanta Regional Commission, an Atlanta Regional NPDES Stormwater Public and Education Program agreement.  Under this Agreement, the City has received brochures, fact sheets, and other materials that have been specifically developed for stormwater management. 

The Public Awareness Campaign is currently in effect and is being aired on WSB-TV.

2.  Education – To ensure that society and the community as a whole are educated, programs include information for youths as well as senior citizens.  The education process will be achieved by the use of:

• schools

• classes

• workshops

• seminars

• in-service programs

Program Partnership
To help fund the Adopt-a-Stream program, Storm Drain Curb Marker Program, and the Public Education and Information Program, the City would like to involve area businesses as a partner of our programs.

Internet Web Site
To make information about the City’s programs, publications, and activities readily accessible to the public, an interactive web site has been developed that provides easy access to information about stormwater management and a means for easy input of public comments, concerns, and observations.  The web site includes information on the local watershed assessment, a link to the design manual developed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, current project information and status, up-to-date State and Federal NPDES information, storm drain curb marker program, and education information.  This site also consists of a page that allow visitors to report problems electronically. 
 

Utility
On March 3, 1999, the City of Austell initiated a stormwater utility fee of $1.00 per month because of the increasing number of stormwater related problems facing our City such as flooding and erosion, aging drainage structures and pollution of streams from the stormwater runoff.  The fee is charged to help offset the cost of controlling problems as they arise.