Nonpoint Source Pollution - Outreach
What's New
Intercept Survey Guide Information and guidelines for administering an Intercept Communications Survey.
Intercept Survey Instrument Tool to be used with Intercept Survey Guide.
Lawncare Focus Group Report
In October 2006 The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the assistance of Market Decisions Inc. conducted four focus groups at two locations in the state of Maine to determine the target audience's views, beliefs, and motivations regarding lawn care. The purpose of this research was to determine key factors to help persuade homeowners to practice environmentally friendly lawn care
Outreach Campaigns and Resources
2005 NPS and Stormwater Medis Campaign Assessment (Omnibus Phone Survey)
Assessment of Maine's Stormwater Phase II & NPS Outreach Campaign 2003/2004 or Who is Willing to Protect Maine's Water Quality?
Original NPS Awareness Campaign History and Market Research. Information on Maine DEP's public awareness campaign about NPS issues and public survey data regarding the campaign's effectiveness.
Soil Campaign History and Market Research. Information about the follow-up NPS campaign and market research focusing on a specific pollutant - soil.
Campaign Materials. View brochures, posters, and other outreach materials that were developed for use in the NPS Awareness Campaign and the Soil Campaign along with other outreach education efforts.
Tips for Developing a Successful Campaign. List of lessons the department learned and helpful tips about developing and implementing a successful outreach campaign.
Related pages
EPA Nonpoint Source Pollution Focus Group - Final Report. In 2001, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the assistance of a NPS Outreach workgroup issued a contract with LISBOA, Inc. to conduct eight focus groups around the United States to better understand beliefs, feelings and motivations of the general public toward nonpoint source pollution. It is hoped that the information gathered from these focus groups will assist states and other partners in more effective outreach, which will lead to behavior changes that will protect water quality. An abstract of the report is also available.
EPA's "Getting In Step - A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns". This is the most recent edition (.pdf file) of the guide that contains "new and improved tips and tools for creating awareness, education specific audiences, and motivating positive behavior to change and improve water quality." (You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this document - Click here download a free Adobe Reader.)
Additional Resources
Watershed Materials. A guide to Forming Road Associations; Buffer Handbook; Camp Road Maintenance Manual; and more.
EPA's Outreach Toolbox for Nonpoint Source Pollution The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Outreach Toolbox is intended for use by state and local agencies and other organizations interested in educating the public on nonpoint source pollution or stormwater runoff. The Toolbox contains a variety of resources to help develop an effective and targeted outreach campaign
Please note that the NPS Awareness Campaign has focused on information for the general public. DEP has separate programs serving a variety of other audiences. The Nonpoint Source Training Center provides information for contractors, engineers, and other professionals. The Bureau's Education Coordinator provides outreach to schools and teachers through the Children's Water Festivals, teacher workshops, Maine Environmental Education Association, Maine Science Teachers Association, and the EnviroThon.
For more information on the NPS Awareness Campaign contact Kathy Hoppe, DEP, 1235 Central Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769, (207) 764-0477.
For information on the NPS Training Center contact Bill Laflamme, DEP, State House Station 17, Augusta ME 04333 or (207) 287-7726.
For more information on water related outreach activities for students and teachers contact Barb Welch, DEP, State House Station 17, Augusta ME 04333 or (207) 287-7682.
