Before I’d even turned on my computer last Wednesday morning, Charleston County had sent me an email concerned about the lack of coverage in the “Troubled Waters” cover story on the County’s stormwater management system. They asked me to do a follow-up story this week.

The program is certainly worth mention — it’s precisely the types of initiatives I’d hoped the story would provoke and inspire people to consider.  I invited them to write a one paragraph letter that we could publish this week.

Here is part of what they sent us. You can read the full text in “Comments” at the story online.

Anyways, kudos to the county for following  federal regulations without a fight. Pick up your dog’s poop.

 February 1, 2008

This letter is in response to the Jan. 30 article entitled, “Water, Water Everywhere
But is it so fresh and so clean?” The article did not mention the Stormwater Management Program that Charleston County Government implemented in 2006.

The County’s program is a result of federal regulations that require unincorporated county areas and various municipalities to provide stormwater management to regulate runoff from all properties and activities that have the potential to pollute local water systems.

Charleston County initiated a large public education campaign when the program was implemented. And last year, the public was invited to attend one of six short sessions in August to learn and ask questions about the efforts the County is making to improve water quality through the removal of illegal discharges, implementing new engineering design standards and construction methods, and many other processes. Our motto is “Water Quality through Stormwater Management.”

What can you do? To decrease polluted runoff from paved surfaces, households can develop alternatives to areas traditionally covered by impervious surfaces.
-    Prevent polluted runoff by picking up pet waste
-    Choose porous pavement materials for driveways and sidewalks
-    Replace high maintenance grass lawns with native vegetation and mulch
-    Use fertilizers sparingly
-    Sweep driveways, sidewalks and roads instead of using a water hose
-    Learn to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce dependence on harmful pesticides.
-    Instead of disposing of yard waste, use the materials to start a compost pile.
-    Use, store and dispose of chemicals properly
-    Avoid impacts from car wash runoff such as detergents, grime, etc. by using car wash facilities that do not generate runoff
-    Check your cars for leaks and recycle motor oil and antifreeze when these fluids are changed
-    Households served by septic systems should have them professionally inspected and pumped every three to five years. They should also practice water conservation measures to extend the life of their septic systems.

If you have questions about Charleston County’s Stormwater Management Program, call (843) 202-7639 or e-mail stormwater@charlestoncounty.org.