From Research to Outreach: Rockland County Stormwater Interns Address Local Water Quality Issues with HVRC Infographics

The Rockland County Conservation & Service Corps(opens in new tab), facilitated by Kathy Galione of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, recently concluded their summer internship for young professionals interested in carrying out environmental service projects in the Rockland County region.  This year’s Stormwater Tech Team, under the mentorship of Jen Zunino-Smith and Anna Hickey of Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County(opens in new tab), partnered with five municipalities to help with their MS4 mapping and permit requirements, including education and outreach.  Over the course of the program, the Team learned about different issues affecting their respective municipal MS4 system:

• Town of Clarkstown: The Town is concerned about phosphorus entering their waterways from residential properties. Lake DeForest, the reservoir that provides up to 30% of the drinking water to multiple Rockland County municipalities, is located in Clarkstown. Lake DeForest is listed on the NYS DEC’s 303(d) list as impaired with phosphorus.
• Town of Ramapo: The Town has encountered sanitary sewer overflows from flushed wipes in their system and will distribute personalized infographics to educate the public on proper flushing habits.
• Village of Piermont:  The Village focused on the Sparkill Creek, which is listed on the NYS DEC’s 303(d) list as impaired with pathogens.  The team assessed possible causes of the impairment from actives such wildlife activity, aging septic systems and/or sewer infrastructure, and stormwater discharge.
• Villages of New Hempstead and Wesley Hills:  The Villages partnered on this project.  The main concerns for their systems were sediment runoff from construction sites, at-home car washes washing detergents, metals, and motor oil into storm drains, and the dumping of pet waste bags into stormwater drains.

In order to help their municipalities meet the requirements of the MS4 permit and spread the word on these sources of contamination to their local constituents, the Stormwater Tech Team used the stormwater infographics templates(opens in new tab) HVRC developed in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County.  They updated text and personalized the templates with local images of their stormwater sites to better connect with residents.  The Team presented their findings and personalized infographics at the Rockland County Conservation & Service Corps Season Finale event. See their awesome posters below!