Mark Your Calendars:
Roll Out the Barrels 2021

Our annual Roll Out the Barrels event was one of the many fundraisers cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. We are excited to announce that we plan to host a modified silent auction style event during May 2021, with virtual bidding and chances to check out the barrels in-person at locations around Athens.

Interested in snagging a one-of-a-kind painted rain barrel for yourself? Keep an eye on www.rolloutthebarrels.org for more information and updates in the coming weeks. All proceeds from this event support the Athens-Clarke County Green Schools Program, which assists schools with environmental education and improvement efforts.

Athens-Clarke County
Flood Maps Changing

New flood hazard maps for Athens-Clarke County are ready for public review. The preliminary maps are the result of a multi-year project to develop accurate and detailed digital flood maps for the Upper Oconee Watershed, based on data from the latest mapping and modeling technologies. They are being released by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents and businesses will want to be aware of how the maps are changing, and how changes may affect new construction and rebuilding decisions, as well as requirements for flood insurance. Property owners are encouraged to visit Georgia’s Virtual Flood Risk Open House to better understand the project and changes. The Virtual Flood Risk Open House provides information relevant to the proposed changes in flood risks in Athens-Clarke County, as well as an opportunity to connect with floodplain management experts.

In-person virtual meetings are available by appointment only and can be reserved on the website, via the “Connect with Us” page of the Virtual Flood Risk Open House. Appointments for property owners in Athens-Clarke County will be held between April 19 and April 30, 2021. These appointments must be reserved between March 29 and April 14, 2021.

To learn more about the preliminary maps, see what areas will change, learn what the insurance options are, and find the schedule for related community meetings, visit www.georgiadfirm.com.

Ripple Effect Audience Choice Voting

Be a part of the "Water Academy" and vote for your favorite films of the 2020 Ripple Effect Film Project finalists. Up-and-coming filmmakers submitted short water-themed films in various categories from grades K-12. Select one film from each category for an Audience Choice Award to be given out during the Drive-In Ripple Effect Blue Carpet Premiere on March 20. Online voting for this award ends on March 14 at 11:59 PM. Visit www.rippleeffectfilmproject.org for full details.

Ripple Effect Audience Choice Award Voting

Help Stop Water Pollution

ACCGov Stormwater needs your help in reporting water pollution and illegal dumping in Athens-Clarke County. Most storm drains flow directly to rivers, streams, ditches, or ponds without any treatment. Pollutants like paints, oils, litter, and soapy water can have harmful effects on water quality. Call the Stormwater Hotline at 706-614-1282 if you:

See someone dumping oil, grease, paint, or other pollutants down a storm drain or into the street
See someone blowing leaves or grass clippings into the street or a storm drain
Notice flooding due to clogged storm drains and pipes
Notice strange colors, suds, or smells in a stream or near a storm drain

Upcoming Events

Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia Virtual Conference
Friday, March 12 - Saturday, March 13
Online!

Join the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia for their Annual Conference from the comfort of your own home! Interested in learning to Assess Children's Connection to Nature? There's a workshop for that! Want to become a facilitator for the Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education series? Preview the new short course! Learn how environmental educators have been sharing powerful practices developed during the pandemic, creating compelling content for their students, and simple strategies for making your teaching more culturally-responsive. Register online.

Ripple Effect Film Project Drive-In Movie Blue Carpet Premiere
Saturday, March 20, 6:30 PM
Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Road)

The show must go on! After a pandemic pause, the Ripple Effect Blue Carpet Premiere is ready to roll out as cars roll in for a drive-in experience. This free event is limited to 65 cars with priority given to those cars containing film finalist filmmakers, family, and teachers. Registration is required and is open until March 18, 2021. Learn more and register to attend at www.rippleeffectfilmproject.org.

Contact Us

Stormwater Management Program
Department of Transportation and Public Works
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
120 W. Dougherty Street
Athens, GA 30601
706-613-3440
stormwater@accgov.com
www.accgov.com/stormwater