Outreach and Education Resources for Implementation of the Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan to Reduce Water Quality Pollution

The Outreach and Education Work Group of the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership developed a comprehensive program to provide information to the public on all of the potential sources of bacteria and nutrients in the watershed. The goal was to support an ongoing watershed management effort by educating city and county officials, residents, business and community leaders, and other stakeholders in the Plum Creek Watershed about nonpoint source pollution, stormwater management, wastewater treatment and management, illegal dumping, and proper use of hazardous chemicals. Through an EPA Clean Water Act Section 106 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, many priority activities identified in the watershed management plan were funded and implemented in the watershed to reach a broad audience on a diverse array of issues. Over the last two years, efforts by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service led to the development of resources that also can be adapted for use in other watersheds. These include four online training modules demonstrating 1) wastewater treatment facility function, 2) on-site sewage treatment facility function, 3) best management practices for fats, oils, and grease and household chemical use, and 4) stormwater BMPs for municipal operations and employees. In addition, a 'Don't Be Clueless' watershed protection brochure was created for the watershed and as a template for use in any watershed and community outreach efforts. An illegal dumping campaign included community cleanup events, dump site cleanup, road sign installation, and public presentations. Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) workshops were conducted to discuss urban growth and stormwater issues. Educational trainings on proper operation and maintenance of on-site sewage facilities were delivered to inspectors, installers, maintenance providers, and homeowners in the watershed. Overall, education efforts engaged watershed stakeholders to encourage proactive stewardship of water resources to prevent nonpoint source pollution.