Public outreach and education efforts require special discussion and are a specific component of maintaining compliance with the NPDES Phase II MS4 generic permit. Public outreach and education is used to target specific water quality issues and activities which create the water quality issues. An example would be developing and distributing literature on the proper application of fertilizer.

If you want to see a list of Ten Things that you can do to reduce pollution, click here.

From poor practice (left) to best management practice (right), construction site runoff can significantly impact rivers, lakes and streams. It also can increase costs of maintaining the drainage system when it is not controlled. Following a program that partners with local developers and contractors will ensure implementation of best management practices to control runoff from construction activities, thus reducing pollutants entering and costs of maintaining a stormwater system.

Land development code requiring control of construction runoff was effective July 1, 2004.

Illicit connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments can result in contaminated wastewater entering storm drains or directly into local waters before receiving treatment from a wastewater treatment plant.

Illicit discharges into storm drain systems are any discharges not composed entirely of stormwater. These discharges are a problem because they often contain pollutants, which then enter our waterways without treatment.

Additional sources of illicit discharges can be failing septic systems, illegal dumping practices and improper disposal methods.

Recognizing the importance of both a healthy agricultural industry and the preservation of our water supply, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 04-R-384 in November 2004. The resolution includes agricultural best management practices (BMPs), which are simple and effective measures that can be implemented to protect and preserve our water resources.

The Clean Farms Initiative is designed to assist Marion County farm owners and managers with implementation of BMPs, and to recognize them for their cooperative efforts.