Ohio University

Pollution Prevention Week

Pollution Prevention Week design

September 21-27, 2020

In December 2017, Ohio University was granted a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from the Ohio EPA. In June that year, the City of Athens also received an MS4 permit. These permits required development and submission of a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP). Ohio University submitted their SWMP in conjunction with the City of Athens.

The SWMP contains 6 minimum control measures, one of which is Public Education. Ohio University suggested several Public Education measures to meet the EPA's requirements, including the celebration of Pollution Prevention Week on campus. 2020 will be the fourth Pollution Prevention Week celebrated on Ohio University's campus.

All events are free and open to the public, except marked with an asterisk (*). All events are tentative and are subject to change based on weather conditions.  Check Ohio University Office of Sustainability Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@OHIOsustainable) and the City of Athens Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, (@cityofathensoh) The Government Channel and YouTube for Pollution Prevention Week postings and videos!

Our 2020 recognition of Pollution Prevention week includes 2 new storm water videos produced by the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District and Ohio University Communications and Marketing.  Thanks to those partners and the Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors for their collaborations.

Only Rain Down the Drain

Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels 

In 2019 the City of Athens Government Channel conducted "Word on the Street" video interviews during the week, asking residents questions about water. View last year's "Word on the Street" videos below:

To learn more about storm water pollution prevention in Athens see this video produced by the City of Athens and former OHIO student Valeska Silva Vasquez: Athens Ohio Storm Water Pollution Prevention Guide.  

Athens Pollution Prevention Week Events

Monday, Sept. 21:

Tuesday, Sept. 22:

Wednesday, Sept. 23:

  • Socially Distant Storm Drain Marking by Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors*
  • The Jellyfish Garden: a plastic bag art installation, Athens County Courthouse, 10am-2pm (alternate location: Howard Park)
  • Virtual Sustainability Series Film, "Mossville" though the Athena Cinema, Ohio University Sustainability Film Series, 7:00 pm.  Register to view film
  • Virtual Sustainability Series post-film discussion with panelists, 8:30pm.  Registration for film will automatically include panel discussion registration
  • Pollution Prevention Challenge, all week, online instructions  

Thursday, Sept. 24:

Friday, Sept. 25:

Ohio University, the City of Athens, and the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank the following partners: Athens Hocking Recycling Centers, Campus Recycling & Zero Waste, Ohio University Office of Sustainability, City of Athens Government Channel, and the Ohio University Sustainability Film Series.