THE CONSORTIUM'S PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Public education is the cornerstone of a successful Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP).  Since 1994, the Hamilton to New Baltimore Groundwater Consortium has been actively working with a Public Education Committee (PEC) to develop groundwater/WHPP education materials for residents and businesses in the Hamilton to New Baltimore Area.   The PEC consists of representatives from the Consortium, local community groups, and the general public.   The committee meets monthly to discuss public education activities for groundwater.

PUBLIC EDUCATION PLAN FOR THE HAMILTON TO NEW BALTIMORE AREA

The primary purpose of the PEC plan is to educate and inform the officials, residents and businesses of the  Hamilton to New Baltimore area of the importance of the WHPP and groundwater protection.  A second, but equally important aspect of the PEC plan, is to secure the cooperation for and acceptance of the WHPP by decision makers.  When informed of the vital importance of the groundwater and consequently  the protection of the wellfields, public and political support for the WHPP increases. 

PUBLIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THE HAMILTON TO NEW BALTIMORE AREA

Since its inception in 1994, the PEC has completed a number of significant public education activities.  This includes the placement of road signs in the Wellhead Protection Areas, dry well and storm sewer stenciling, distribution of sand tank models and groundwater curricula to local schools, distribution of bookmarks at local libraries and development of a Consortium WHPP brochure.   PEC activities for the year 2002 include the following:

      •      School/Public Presentations - the PEC will continue to give presentations on ground-water and the WHPP to area schools, civic groups, and elected officials.
      •      Participation in Local Festivals - the PEC will continue to staff displays at local and county festivals/fairs.
      •     Water Festival - the PEC participates in the planning efforts of the annual Butler County Water Festival held at Miami University Hamilton in October of each year for more detail see the Festival Page.   
      •       Local Groundwater Video - the PEC through local contributions and a grant from Ohio                                    EPA is producing a video on groundwater in the Hamilton to New Baltimore area.

Anyone interested in participating in any of these activities should contact Tim McLelland, Chair of the PEC, at tmclelln@ci.hamilton.oh.us.