About NEWSC: NEWSC Committees

Information and Education Committee
The Information and Education (I&E) Committee was created to provide guidance to communities on sound educational strategies, coordinate regional events and media campaigns, and compile and create educational materials for distribution by member communities in support of their Phase II I&E programs. To date the Committee has created a Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials presentation, several Public Service Announcements, and topic papers on car-washing and lawn care. NEWSC also sponsored a workshop with environmental psychologist Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr on fostering sustainable behaviors. The Committee is currently working on a telephone survey to learn more about the public’s stormwater knowledge. Together, the workshop and survey provide a basis for understanding where to focus the communities’ efforts and maximize benefits to local watersheds using educational program resources.

Illicit Discharge Committee
The Illicit Discharge Committee was created to focus on the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination component of NR 216 Storm Water Discharge Permits regulations. Through their work, the Committee has provided feedback to the Department of Natural Resources about the regulations and created a Model Illicit Discharge and Connection Ordinance that can be used as the base for member communities. Through their work on the Model Ordinance, the Committee has succeeded in creating consistent definitions of illicit discharge. Currently, the Committee is working on a mapping inventory to assist communities in understanding the role mapping will play in the permit process.  The Committee is also working toward creating consistent reporting procedures for illicit discharge.

Erosion Control Committee
The Erosion Control Committee is charged with assisting communities in meeting the requirements in NR 216 specific to Construction Site Pollutant Control and Post-Construction Site Storm Water Management.  The Committee created an Erosion Control Training Package for 1 & 2 Family Dwelling Construction to be used to educate and train those who work in the construction industry.  The Training Package includes a powerpoint presentation and handouts including: standard erosion control plan/erosion control plan checklist, erosion control for homeowners, UDC appendix, sample permit application, sample permit, sample inspection report form, sample notice to comply, and sample stop work order.  The Committee is working on model construction and post construction ordinances.

Tools and Resources Committee
The Tools and Resources Committee was formed as a resource to the other Committees as well as all NEWSC members. The Committee has been successful in the creation and maintenance of the NEWSC website. The website serves as a tool by relating stormwater to the general public and other stormwater organizations.  In addition, the website is used to convey information regarding upcoming events and meetings to the members. The website allows members to access the products of the other committees and to participate in active interchanges and conversations with other members.