| |
|
Community Planning>Storm Water Program>Public Programs
Public Activities
Check out the FREE programs and activities offered to the public, families, youth and scout groups, schools, festivals and civic groups. For more information about any of the following programs, please contact:
Sheri J. Faust, Environmental Educator
St. Clair County Health Department
Division of Environmental Health
(810) 987-5306
Email |
|
|
| Pollution Solutions Program |
Top |
|
Pollution Solutions! is a free hands-on presentation that helps students relate the water cycle and pollution sources to their daily lives. Participants “pollute” a miniature watershed model of St. Clair County and then watch the affects of a homemade rain storm and discuss water quality problems and solutions.
Topics covered include the value of the Great Lakes, wastewater treatment, flooding issues, watershed planning, non-point pollution sources, and the connection between the health of the environment and our community. This activity is appropriate for 4th-12th grade classrooms, Boy and Girl Scout groups, fairs, festivals, and summer recreation programs.
Program availability is limited and spaces fill up fast. Book your program today!
|
|
|
The storm drain labeling program involves placing a permanent decal on curbs near storm drains to remind people that everything that goes into a storm drain flows directly, untreated, to our rivers. Door hangers are distributed to homes in the area where drains have been marked to explain how to properly dispose of materials that pose a hazard to fish and water quality.
Why is storm drain marking important?
Many people mistakenly believe that the water running off our streets into storm drains goes to a wastewater treament plant that cleans it up before sending it to our rivers. They need to be notified that everything that flows through those drains goes directly to our local waterways. Storm drains aren't garbage cans!
What you’ll receive:
• A storm drain labeling kit
• An informational packet about stormwater pollution
• Door hangers
Who can get involved?
Storm drain marking is an opportunity for individuals, Neighborhood Associations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, youth groups, or community service groups.
|
|
| Water Quality table-top exhibit |
Top |
|
We have developed a display that can be taken to local fairs, festivals, home and garden shows, libraries and township halls. In addition we have activity books, magnets, and stickers that can be distributed.
A display can cover any of the following topics:
• Watershed Awareness and Water Pollution Prevention
• Proper disposal of household hazardous waste
• Septic System Care and Maintenance
• Public Bathing Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program
• Proper Lawn and Garden Maintenance
Reserve the display now! Please leave your full contact information, your target audience, where the display will be left, the topic you prefer, and indicate the length of time you prefer to have the display.
|
|
|
The Storm Water Program provides newsletter articles that can be used for your community's newsletter. Specific contact information can be inserted on each article.
The following articles can be accessed by clicking here:
Maintaining your vehicle
Washing your vehicle
Seven Simple Steps to Clean Water
Fertilize Sparingly and Caringly
Help Keep Pollution out of Storm Drains
Carefully Store and Dispose of Household Hazardous Cleaners, Chemicals, and Oil
Clean up After Your Pet
Choose Earth Friendly Landscaping
Conserve Water
|
|
| Road-Stream Crossing Signs |
Top |
|
Watershed and River Crossing signs are now available for order.
New signs are being added to county roadways to mark the boundaries and river crossings of the Black River, Mill Creek, Pine River, Lake Huron, St. Clair River, Anchor Bay and Belle River watersheds. These signs will help to build continued awareness of the watershed within the counties and local communities.
The signs identify both the watershed and the name of the waterway. Not only will the waterways naming project promote stewardship, it will fulfill a public education component of the Storm Water Permit and the federal Clean Water Act.
Road signs are made of durable, reflective metal and are 24“ x 36“. Your municipality is responsible for all installation, permits, maintenance and any other additional cost or requirements.
|
|
|
We offer personalized presentations and workshops to community groups, homeowners associations, businesses and municipal staff on a variety of topics, including stormwater management, water quality, rain gardens, watershed planning, and pollution prevention.
If you would like to learn more about one of these free workshops or if you would like to schedule one in your community, please contact Sheri Faust at 810.987.5306 or by email.
|
|
| Share Your Photos With Us! |
Top |
|
Do you have photos of you, your frieds, or family enjoying any of the water resources in St. Clair County - Lake Huron, Anchor Bay, the St. Clair River or Belle, Pine and Black rivers? Perhaps canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, picnicing, or swimming? We will be featuring photos of St. Clair County's watersheds on the storm water "Home Page" and in our biannual newsletter. We invite our website users to submit photos.
Be sure to include on a separate piece of paper: (a) the photographer's name, address, and telephone number, (b) the location of the photos (both waterbody name and location) and (c) the date taken. Photos that show people enjoying the water resource are particularly requested. All seasons are requested.
Photographs can be submitted either via e-mail or by mail. Send e-mail photo to the webmaster. Or, send the photo to St. Clair County Health Department, Stormwater Program, 3415 28th Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. If you would like to have your photo returned, please include a self-addressed envelope with the proper amount of postage stamps on it in the envelope with the photo.
|
|
| Seven Simple Steps to Clean Water |
Top |
|
St. Clair County Health Department is a member of the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water, a regional public outreach effort coordinated by SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.
On Earth Day in April 2004, the Partners launched a campaign to educate the public about preventing stormwater pollution.
Visit SEMCOG's website to find out how you can help protect our local waterways.
|
|
| MDEQ Pollution Prevention Programs |
Top |
|
The Department of Environmental Quality provides assistance to businesses, institutions and the public to improve the environment and save money by adopting the three “R’s” reduce, reuse and recycle. Known also as pollution prevention, this is a non-regulatory assistance program that provides information, technical assistance and financial incentives to reduce pollution.
Retired Engineer Technical Assistance Program (RETAP)
Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program
Michigan Business Prevention Partnership
Clean Corporate Citizen Program
Quick link to MDEQ's Pollution Prevention Programs.
Field staff are located at the DEQ district offices and work with local businesses, trade and professional associations to offer assistance at the local level. Phase II communites can share these with their businesses, which will help them meet their Publice Education requirements with the MDEQ. Businesses can be encouraged to sign up for a Pollution Prevention program or include an article about them in their newsletter.
|
|
|
There are a number of local, county, state parks and natural areas located throughout St. Clair County's watersheds. This is an abbreviated list highlighting those parks that provide access to water resources. Get out there and enjoy them!
Community Parks
Burtchville Twp Park, Lakeport. Sixteen acres located at Lakeshore and Harris roads in Burtchville Township. Facilities include sand beach, picnic pavilion, tennis courts, skatepark, horseshoes, walking trails, two playscapes, picnic tables and grills, drinking water.
Pine Grove Park, City of Port Huron
Lighthouse Park, City of Port Huron
Lakeside Beach and Park, City of Port Huron
River Road Park, Marysville
River Park, East China Twp
Goodells County Park, 8345 County Park Drive, Goodells 48027
Fort Gratiot County Park
State Parks
Lakeport State Park
Algonac State Park
Natural Areas
St. Johns Marsh
Boardwalks
Edison Parkway, Port Huron
Riverwalk, Marysville
Boardwalk Park, St. Clair
Nautical Mile Park, Marine City
Boardwalk, Algonac
|
|
This page last updated on 8/19/2008.
|
|
);)
);)
);)
);)
);)
);)
);)
);)
