DATE: November 24, 2008

CONTACT: Katie Giacalone, 843-554-7226, ext. 115
kgiacal@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Hull, 843-554-7226, ext. 118
phull@clemson.edu

‘We all live downstream’ the message of Carolina Clear’s new ad campaign

CHARLESTON — Clemson University's stormwater education and awareness program, Carolina Clear, rolled out its first multimedia advertising campaign Nov. 24.

Television and radio commercials and seven billboards across two coastal regions will carry a simple message: "Remember, we all live downstream."

The campaign will debuted in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach markets before appearing in other regions of the state.

Carolina Clear's goal is to minimize polluted stormwater runoff by educating the general public, youth, builders, developers, homeowners and government officials about how they can keep water in the state's streams, rivers and basins as clean as possible.

"It is everyone's responsibility, from local governments to the general public, to keep surface waters free of pollution," said Katie Giacalone, Carolina Clear's statewide coordinator.

Simple acts such as picking up after dogs or limiting the amount of fertilizer used on lawns can help keep our rivers, lakes and streams clean, Giacalone said.

"Stormwater pollution is people pollution, and we all can play a role in keeping South Carolina's waters clean, drinkable and swimmable for the next generation," Giacalone said.

The Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes public education as a fundamental component in reducing stormwater runoff pollution.

The EPA requires that certain municipalities and counties educate and involve the public as part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II stormwater permit program.

Through the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium in the Lowcountry and the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium along the Grand Strand, the ads demonstrate that we cannot take our critical natural resources for granted.

In the ad, a goldfish is shown leaping out of the fishbowl while oil spills in. The caption simply reads, "Nobody wants polluted water."

For more information about Clemson's Carolina Clear program and what communities are doing to educate the public on pollution prevention, visit www.clemson.edu/public/carolinaclear/.

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