The Richland Countywide Stormwater Consortium is comprised of Richland County, the Town of Arcadia Lakes, and the City of Forest Acres. The goal of the consortium is to support the restoration and protection of healthy waterways in Richland County through outreach, stormwater education, public involvement, and partnerships with local governments, citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations.
Announcements:
4-H2O Summer Programs
Looking
for a summer program for your 10-14 year old that is both educational
and tons of fun? Would your child enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing,
fishing and hiking sound, while learning about biology, history,
forestry and the environment? 4-H2O summer programs are much more than
day camps - they are unique opportunities for youth to build an
appreciation and understanding of Lexington and Richland County's lakes,
rivers and streams. At "Exploring Lake Murray" students will tour the
lake on pontoon boats, swim each day, and learn about fishing and
preventing water pollution. Older students, and kids who have already
experienced "Exploring Lake Murray" can attend "Exploring the Congaree
Watershed." This more advanced program includes canoeing, hiking,
studying forestry, ecosystems, and more. Follow the links below for
more information!
- 4-H2O Exploring the Congaree Watershed (formerly Water, Woods and Wetlands)
- June 25-29, Harbison State Forest, ages 11-14
- Print Registration Form
4-H2O Exploring Lake Murray is now FULL!
- 4-H2O Exploring Lake Murray (formerly Pontoon Classroom)
- June 11-15, SCE&G recreation area at Lake Murray, ages 10-12
- Email mnevins@clemson.edu to be added to the waiting list and/or to the mailing list for next year's camps
- Photo slide show from last year's camps!
Look for our Partners at Spring Festivals!
RCSC and our partners will be out at lots of spring events in the next few weeks! We've already been to River Rocks, Big Nosh, Rooftop Rhythms and Earth Sunday. Look for us at Sparkleberry Fair, Rosewood Crawfish Festival, Blythefest, Arcadia Lakes Town Picnic, Public Works Week Kids day, and more!
New Business Recognition Program!
Businesses in Richland County have a new way to show they care about clean water. The Richland Countywide Stormwater Consortium is proud to introduce the Partners for Healthy Watersheds Business Recognition Program. This new program recognizes and rewards businesses that go above and beyond to protect water quality in their community. Businesses play an important role in preventing stormwater pollution and protecting Richland County’s streams, lakes and rivers. Clean water means healthy communities and a healthy economy!
Partners for Healthy Watersheds is open to any business, organization, non-profit, school or congregation in Richland County that values clean water. Businesses and organization interested in becoming a Partner for Healthy Watersheds view the new Business Website for more information, or they may contact Mary Caflisch at Clemson Extension by calling 803-865-1216 ext. 122.
Year 3 Annual Education Report
The 2010-2011 Annual Education Report is now ready for viewing. This report details the education programs and activities of Richland County, Arcadia Lakes, Forest Acres, and all our RCSC Education Partners. Thanks to everyone for all your hard work to spread the word about preventing stormwater pollution!
Community Conservation Grants
The Richland County Conservation Commission is now accepting applications for Community Conservation Grants. These grants assist community groups and agencies to 1) protect or improve water quality; 2) build or enhance trails; 3) restore and protect natural resource corridors; 4) implement low impact development or green infrastructure practices; 5) develop and implement environmental education programs. Grants are available up to $20,000. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, February 21, 2012. Click here for guidelines and an application form. If you have questions, contact Nancy Stone-Collum at 576-2083 or stonecollumn@rcgov.us.
New Tools on the Carolina Clear Website
Carolina Clear has added two new pages to help you prevent pollution. Follow the links below to learn more.
Pond Management Website - Find the answers to common questions about taking care of your stormwater ponds, inluding fish kills, bank erosions, aeration, nuisance wildlife, and more. This is a great resource for HOA's and private owners!
Restaurants and Stormwater - This website explains proper management of FOGs (Fats, Oils and Grease) for restaurants. These include putting greate properly in grease disposal bins, never pouring oil down sinks, an cleaning strategies to keep FOGs out of stormdrains. Many of these rules apply to homes, too!
New Television Public Service Announcement
Carolina Clear is pleased to announce its newest mass media campaign! A new television commercial featuring the theme "We all live downstream!" features South Carolinians from the mountains to the coast using waterways and emphasizes how citizens can protect the water. The commercial stars Richland County's own Keith Anthony, stormwater engineering technician and education program manager! Follow the link below to view the commercial on Carolina Clear's Youtube channel.
RCSC 2011 Campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x9qSuRIMxkRecent Events:
Catching the Rain in Richland County
On Oct. 8, 17 participants built their very own rain barrels, just in time for fall and winter showers. Rain barrels capture water from roofs to be used for watering gardens, washing cars, and anything else you might use an outdoor hose for. If you missed this workshop, we will be holding another one in early spring, so check back for details.
Second Annual Summer Celebration of Water makes a SPLASH!
On August 6, nearly 1200 people came out to Riverfront Park to celebrate local water resources and have fun in the water! The event was hosted in partnership by Richland County, City of Columbia, and Lexington County. The event included kayaking and tubing, water slides and bouncy attractions, exhibits by local non-profits and green businesses, casting lessons, catching bugs in the stream, and much more. This is an annual event so if you missed it, be sure to join us next year!
4-H2O Pontoon Classroom 2011
20 students from Richland and Lexington Counties got a week full of summer fun and learning at the 2011 4-H2O Pontoon Classroom on Lake Murray! This day camp introduces kids to water quality, marine biology, local history, wildlife, and fishing. Campers tour the lake by pontoon boat, study macroinvertebrates, visit a water treatment plant, swim, learn to fish, and more. Thank you to all of our great sponsors and guest speakers who made this program possible! Click on the slide show above to view photos and details from this year's program.
4-H2O Environmental Classroom 2011
Community News
- Green Drinks Columbia is a once-per-month opportunity for environmentally minded folks in the Midlands to get together to socialize and network. Keep the Midlands Beautiful organizes this event every first Tuesday of the month at various locations in Columbia. Visit www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org for details.
- Gills Creek Watershed Association holds its monthly board meetings on the second Thursday of every month. These meetings are open to the public, and members are encouraged to attend. Visit www.gillscreekwatershed.org for more information.
- Sonoco Recycling now offers free shredding to any resident or business, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can even watch your paper being shredded! Sonoco Recycling is located in Columbia at 1132 Idlewilde Boulevard, off of Bluff Road.
