V.I. RC&D: doctitle

The Virgin Islands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. (VI RC&D ) in partnership with the UVI Cooperative Extension Service, invites the St. Croix community to participate in the national satellite broadcast from the Cooperative Extension National Water Quality Program entitled "Stormwater Management from a Watershed Perspective: Extreme Western Climates." The workshop will be held from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on October 17 , 2006 in the UVI Research & Extension Center Room 133, St Croix. The workshop is focused around what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls "the number one water quality problem" - the billions of gallons of untreated stormwater runoff that flows into streams, rivers and coastal waters across the nation. The broadcast will focus on successful stormwater management strategies used in extreme climates (see Flyer).

This is the fifth program in the award-winning Watershed Issues Satellite workshops offered by the Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Program. The first section of the program, which visits Anchorage, Alaska, demonstrates the strategies used in a northern city to manage contaminant movement from salted and graveled city streets and parking lot snowpiles to the City's numerous salmon bearing creeks. This may not at first appear relevant to the VI, but there are ideas that can be adapted, including the use of retention ponds and constructed wetlands to treat runoff.

Of particular interest in the VI, the second section will examine Arizona's strategies for controlling storm water runoff. Working with the Coordinator of Arizona's NEMO (Non-point Education for Municipal Officials), the cameras record strategies used to control the massive runoff caused by summer 'monsoon' rains. One of the working strategies for controlling storm water runoff in Arizona is harvesting rainwater for irrigation. Managing storm-caused sediment erosion is a major problem; and the program visits state and local government entities to view their strategies.

A panel including practitioners from the two areas and an EPA permit writer will be available on camera to answer questions. Audience participation is available through telephone, fax, and e-mail in hopes that no question goes unanswered. On the air discussions are invited in the final program segment.

Does this rain-fed stream look familiar?
What erosion control measures does Tucson, Arizona use in this type of climate?
Are there ways for the homeowner to harness this resource before it gets to the channel?

Fill out the Workshop Registration Form or call the VIRC&D Office at 340-692-9632 x5 to reserve a seat at this timely workshop or for more information. The program is also available on videostream in real time at http://caheinfo.wsu.edu/video/stream.html for those unable to travel to the UVI St. Croix campus.