***This is meant to act as a rough transcript to aid with the presentation.

It is can be added to or
have things removed, it is only a guide***
Slide 1- Introduce the topic
Slide 2- Follow Slide, talk about yourself
Slide 3- *The activity assumes it is for a small class* The class becomes the acting town council.
There will be arguments for each decision and then a majority vote at the end. *Presenter must
write down answers as you go* A passing score is a 3 out of 5. Before the activity begins, briefly
introduce stormwater. Do so using slide 4.
Slide 4- Stormwater sounds like exactly what it sounds like, water that comes from storms.
In an undeveloped area, the rainfall helps to replenish the groundwater and waterbodies. Animals
and plants utilize this in order to grow. This is natural to the hydrological system and in this case
healthy for the environment. However, stormwater can be a threat to our ecological systems in
the form of stormwater runoff, which is water that flows over ground surfaces.
Define impervious, which are covered surfaces that do not allow for infiltration of water. Talk
about how roads, driveways, rooftops, and parking lots are prime examples of impervious
surfaces. More development leads to more runoff, and as you can see by my last bullet point, can
have ecological issues. This issue is not the only concern that stormwater pollution poses to the
environment.
Slide 5- Ask the question. Explain that developed areas hypothetically incorporate more
businesses and areas for people to live in. Essentially, explain the other, non-eco friendly option.
Click on the choice that they vote to choose.
Slide 6- Outcome 1 for question 1. This outcome has been produced because the town became
overdeveloped and did not leave enough green space, which therefore increases stormwater
runoff and costs.
Slide 7- Outcome 2 for question 1. Read the slide.
Slide 8- Ask the question. Answer potential questions that arise but let them figure out the plans.
Slide 9- You didn’t fail, but you barely passed. Depositing stormwater directly into streams will
always pose some risk.
Slide 10- Read slide.
Slide 11- Read slide
Slide 12- Read off the question.
Slide 13/14- Outcomes for question 3. Read off the slide.
Slide 15-17- Question 4 and its outcomes.
Slide 18-20- Read slides
Slide 21- Bullet point 1, read off and then state that watersheds can be either large or small. Each
watershed is typically made up of smaller watersheds. They depend on activities that are outside
of the draining point, or in other words, whether you do something at the mouth of a bay or
upstream, it will still affect it. Since watersheds are not broken up by municipalities and multiple
towns can be in the same watershed, what is done in one can easily affect what is done in
another. In order to protect your water, it is best to work together. Read off last bullet point.
Slide 22- Stormwater affects your local waterways by taking up pollutants through runoff. This
includes pet waste, antifreeze, fertilizer pesticides, and oil. If you noticed, a lot of this is used by
the common homeowner as well as businesses. Since we all contribute to this pollution,
stormwater pollution is considered non-point source pollution. That means it comes from many
different sources and they diffuse together. Not one party is typically responsible for complete
pollution when considering only stormwater. Erosion is an issue because it changes the stream
shape and can cause habitat loss for wildlife. It also deposits sediment throughout the stream,
which is another form of pollutant. Flooding also can cause property damage and safety risks.
Slide 23- Erosion and pollution help contribute to other issues that stormwater cause. Fish and
aquatic life are damaged because pollution changes the water’s chemistry, making it inhabitable
for most fish. Sediment brought into the waterways make it harder for plants to get sunlight and
grow. The plants must also battle algae blooms caused by excessive nitrogen. When the algae
dies, it goes to the bottom and ends up causing decreased oxygen in the water, which harms
aquatic life. The erosion and pollution cause habitat loss for animals as well.
Recreationally, our waterways become less available to be used. When pullulated, fishing
becomes dangerous if the fish become contaminated and there are less fish in the water since
many die off. Tourism decreases because waterways are used less if no swimming or boating are
available for individuals.
Slide 24- Aesthetic Appeal is lost as the water becomes dirty, smelly, and trash ridden. It
certainly does not increase tourism in these states.
The pollution also poses safety and health concerns. Drinking water must be treated and cannot
be used as is due to the pollution. Fishing and shellfish become potentially dangerous for
consumption. If you end swimming in the waters, you can be at risk to exposure to the pollution.
Finally, flood lead to injury and death.
Slide 25- The economic impacts are a cumulation of all the other issues and where people often
see the impact. Since water must now be treated, it shows up on people’s water bills. Businesses
and local economies are affected as less tourism happens due to fishing businesses and beach
closures.
Slide 26- So all of this can sound pretty awful, but there is something that we can do about it. It
is called stormwater management.
Slide 27- Read the bullet points and show what New Orleans can do to help out its city by using
green infrastructure.
Slide 28- Compare the two types. Start with green infrastructure, which are the new thing often
being implemented. Then go to grey infrastructure, which is more of the traditional usage.
Slide 29- read off what is on the slide. Add that a SWPPP is a must for obtaining stormwater
permits.
Slide 30- Read off the national laws.
For state laws, explain that BMPs are best management practices that are what is the best and
most reasonable way to manage stormwater for the organization obtaining a permit. Permits are
required for municipalities, highways, and public universities among many other. The Rain Tax
Bill has passed, allowing municipalities to charge residents and businesses fees based on their
approximate stormwater contribution. By using green infrastructure like rain barrels, you can get
you fee reduced. Why is this so important? Consider this:
• 15 percent of the state's waterways can support full aquatic life.
• 25 percent can be used fully for recreation.
• 35 percent can support drinking water supplies.
Slide 31- Read the slide and that explain both have their pitfalls, but at least a css attempts to
treat water.
Slide 32 and onward, read the slides