Dan Bogoevski Ohio EPA Northeast District Office

What is a PIPE Program? Required by NPDES permit for regulated MS4s On-going strategic program to educate the community about storm water pollution and involve them in its implementation

NPDES Permit Requirements Public Education (MCM #1) Must include at least 5 themes or messages over the 5- year permit term At least 1 theme or message must target the development community Must use more than one mechanism to deliver messages Must reach at least 50% of your population over the 5- year permit term Population within your urbanized area (UA)

NPDES Permit Requirements Public Involvement (MCM #2) Must include 5 public involvement activities over the 5- year permit term

Focus Must Be on Storm Water Identify a storm water pollution issue Focus on changing behaviors or raising awareness On Point Not as Good

Focus on Storm Water Better

Focus on Storm Water When it Rains….It Drains! Best?

Ohio EPA Recommendations Education activities which require active participation by the public are preferred Stream clean-ups, storm drain stenciling, adopt-a-road programs, citizen workgroups Address issues pertinent to your community Provide bi-lingual materials if appropriate Work regionally so that messages are consistent across communities and costs are lower for all

Ohio EPA Recommendations Develop an education strategy document Planning is key to a cost-effective program Themes or Messages Audiences Citizens, Municipal Staff, Businesses, or Institutions in your community Mechanisms Select to reach the desired targeted audience Measurable Goals Develop a broad 5-year plan at the beginning of each NPDES permit cycle Develop a detailed plan annually

Example Strategy Message: Pick Up Poop! Encourage proper disposal of pet waste Target Audience Dog owners Mechanisms and Goals Distribute brochures with 100% of dog licenses Create poster and yard signs that shows connection between pet waste and storm water pollution if it is not properly disposed Place posters on all pooper-scooper stations in all city parks Supply pet shops with yard signs and ask them to include one with purchases of dog supplies

Example: NEORSD Public Service announcements on WCPN Newspaper ads Website Encourages citizen to submit photo of their pet Link to order posters, yard signs, doggie bandanas You Tube videos

Kirby Date, AICP Community Planning Program Cleveland State University

Message Basics Tell people what you want them to DO Feature likeable characters: someone like you, or someone you’ll like Show positive outcomes: health, families, saving money, choice, and quality Simplify, and repeat: Develop 3 or 4 strong statements, and use them over and over – one at a time Remember white space! (readability)

Tell People What You Want Them to DO

Feature Likeable Characters: messages and images

Show positive outcomes: health, family, saving money, quality, choice