The community outreach efforts of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program consist of three main areas:
Industrial/Commercial: Educate facility and business owners/operators about stormwater regulations and how stormwater pollution can be minimized.
Construction: Provide outreach to the construction community about proper BMP implementation and compliance with County requirements and all applicable Permit conditions.
Residential/Community: Through education and outreach opportunities, promote change in behavior and encourage communities to reduce pollutants to the storm drain systems.
Community Education presentations raise awareness of our role and the impact to the watershed all around us. We focus on storm water pollution prevention with students in both public and private schools. The 45-minute program includes a short video, an overview of the water cycle, information on water conservation and a discussion on how students can help their families reduce stormwater pollution. Each student receives an activity booklet to reinforce the stormwater message while having fun.
At the high school level, the City of Stockton and San Joaquin County have partnered for stream clean-up projects. In the classroom, students are instructed on the importance of water. The students then take the lessons out into the natural environment and a nearby waterway to learn more about unnatural objects in the water, how it got there and its effect on the ecosystem. You may also contact the County for more information about the annual environmental video contest, where students are encouraged to write essays, create slogans, posters, and film short videos as part of their expanded knowledge of the importance of water.
The program culminates in a four-hour weekend stream clean up that coincides with California Coastal Cleanup Day in September, to rid waterways of trash and educate the public about proper disposal of items such as tires and shopping carts. The City, County and other partnering agencies provide the supplies for the clean-up effort, our citizens provide the support. California Coastal Cleanup takes place annually and attendance is open to the public. Walk-ons are welcome!