Nine Chittenden County municipalities and three other entities are launching Rethink Runoff, a new multi-year public education and participation campaign focused on reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff. The campaign, with technical assistance from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), is a combined effort of the municipalities of Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski plus Burlington International Airport, the University of Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
For several years, these 12 partners have operated the successful but separate efforts of the Regional Stormwater Education Program and the Chittenden County Stream Team to engage the public. Rethinkrunoff.org, the campaign’s website, combines these efforts into a one-stop shop by providing data, educational resources, tutorials and engagement opportunities that teach residents about the effects of stormwater and the steps residents can take to help keep Lake Champlain clean. Highlights include an interactive map showing at-risk rivers and streams as well as animation that educates about projects around the house that can help mitigate stormwater runoff. The Stream Team will continue as the campaign’s public involvement arm to manage stormwater-based volunteer opportunities throughout the spring and summer, as well as workshops, art projects, and clean-up efforts. All upcoming events and volunteer opportunities are listed on rethinkrunoff.org.