Introduction and Overview of NPDES Regulations for PIPE Programs

Dan BogoevskiOhio 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 RequirementsPublic 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 communityMust use more than one mechanism to deliver

messagesMust reach at least 50% of your population

over the 5-year permit term Population within your urbanized area (UA)

NPDES Permit RequirementsPublic Involvement (MCM #2)

Must include 5 public involvement activities over the 5-year permit term

Focus Must Be on Storm WaterIdentify 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 WaterWhen it Rains….It Drains!

Best?

Ohio EPA RecommendationsEducation activities which require active

participation by the public are preferredStream clean-ups, storm drain stenciling, adopt-a-

road programs, citizen workgroups

Address issues pertinent to your communityProvide bi-lingual materials if appropriate

Work regionally so that messages are consistent across communities and costs are lower for all

Ohio EPA RecommendationsDevelop 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 GoalsDevelop a broad 5-year plan at the beginning of

each NPDES permit cycleDevelop a detailed plan annually

Example StrategyMessage: Pick Up Poop!

Encourage proper disposal of pet wasteTarget Audience

Dog ownersMechanisms 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: NEORSDPublic Service announcements on WCPNNewspaper adsWebsite www.neorsd.org/pup

Encourages citizen to submit photo of their petLink to order posters, yard signs, doggie

bandanasYou Tube videos

Message BasicsKirby Date, AICP

Community Planning ProgramCleveland State University

Message BasicsTell people what you want them to DOFeature likeable characters: someone like

you, or someone you’ll likeShow positive outcomes: health, families,

saving money, choice, and qualitySimplify, 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