Press Releases
Nebraska H2O Campaign to Address State-Wide Issue of Stormwater Quality
(GRAND ISLAND, NE) August 14, 2007- Nebraska H2O, a state-wide campaign intended to help raise public awareness among Nebraska citizens about stormwater issues, was unveiled on Tuesday, August 14 during a press conference held in Grand Island.
According to a recent government survey, 40 percent of U.S. waterbodies are impaired by pollution, failing to meet government standards. The public contributes to this by failing to dispose of toxic substances and chemicals properly. These harmful substances then find their way into our stormwater drains. This water flows directly into our rivers and water sources, resulting in an increase in pollution and health risks.
In accordance with the requirements of the National Pollutants Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit to release stormwater to waters of the state issued to the cities by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NEDQ), the Nebraska Stormwater Cooperative is working to raise awareness and offer alternatives to storm drain dumping through the Nebraska H20 program. The Nebraska Stormwater Cooperative consists of Grand Island, Beatrice, Columbus, Fremont, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington, Norfolk, North Platte and Scottsbluff.
“We’re very excited about the development and launch of Nebraska H2O,” said Steve Riehle, City Engineer/Director of Public Works for the City Of Grand Island. “We look forward to engaging Nebraska residents in the program and educating them on easy ways in which they can help reduce stormwater pollution across the state.” For more information on Nebraska H2O, please visit www.nebraskah2o.org.