Celebrating Our 2025 Stormwater Stewards

The 2025 Green Life Awards Ceremony took place on April 23, and we would like to congratulate this year’s Stormwater Steward Award winners, Bob Dulinawka and SPG Planners + Engineers!

The title of Residential Stormwater Steward was awarded to Bob Dulinawka, who was nominated by Kyle Dalton, Land Development Supervisor with the Transportation and Public Works Department. Mr. Dulinawka owns property on North Avenue and is often seen picking up litter and trimming weeds along the fenceline. Out of a genuine desire to care for his community, he routinely cleans up around nearby bus stops and even enters storm drains to remove trash and debris. He’s the kind of neighbor who quietly and consistently makes a big impact—protecting water quality and supporting the health of downstream stormwater infrastructure.

Our second award, the Commercial Stormwater Steward Award, went to SPG Planners + Engineers for their incredible work designing the green roof system at The Rambler Athens, a multi-use development in the heart of Downtown Athens. SPG designed an impressive system that includes thousands of square feet of green roof trays across three different levels, along with integrated irrigation and stormwater retention features. The design helps capture and slow down rainwater, keeping it from overwhelming our drainage system, while also reducing rooftop temperatures, improving air quality, and adding beauty and function to the space. SPG turned the challenge of downtown’s lack of traditional stormwater infrastructure into an opportunity by using rooftop space to its fullest potential. Their thoughtful, sustainable design at The Rambler is a great example of how green infrastructure can be functional, attractive, and climate-resilient.

Congratulations to our Stormwater Stewards, and everyone recognized at this year's Green Life Awards!

Celebrate Compost! Join the Fun During International Compost Awareness Week

International Compost Awareness Week is happening May 4 to 10, 2025! This celebration highlights the benefits of composting for soil health, waste reduction, and water conservation. Here are just a few of the benefits in utilizing compost for stormwater management:

• Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers: Compost provides a natural source of nutrients that are slowly released into the soil, which improves soil health and plant growth without the risk of fertilizer runoff polluting local waterways.
• Improves stormwater infiltration and reduces erosion: Compost blankets—layers of loosely applied compost—can be placed on slopes or disturbed soils to reduce runoff, prevent erosion, support vegetation growth, and filter pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and nutrients from stormwater runoff.
• Enhances soil structure and water retention: The organic matter in compost improves soil porosity and moisture-holding capacity, helping stormwater soak into the ground rather than running off, which recharges groundwater and reduces peak flow during heavy rains.

During ICAW, enjoy half-price compost sales, compost giveaways, Where’s Binny Bingo, and more! For more details and updates, visit the official ICAW page or contact compost@accgov.com. Follow @accsolidwaste, @kaccb, @athensclarkelibrary, @botgarden, @lilyannephibian, @accstormwater, and @theugarden on Instagram for composting tips and activities throughout the week!

The People Who Keep Athens Running

Join Athens-Clarke County in celebrating Public Works Week from May 18 to 24, 2025. This annual event honors the vital contributions of public works professionals who maintain and improve our community's infrastructure and services. Departments such as Central Services, Public Utilities, Solid Waste, Transit, and Transportation and Public Works play essential roles in ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of our county.

Established in 1960 by the American Public Works Association, National Public Works Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of public works in our daily lives. It's a time to recognize the dedication and hard work of those who keep our communities running smoothly.

For more information and updates on events and activities during Public Works Week, stay tuned to accgov.com.

Upcoming Events

Public Works Week
May 18-24, 2025

Join us May 19–23 as we celebrate Public Works Week and recognize the essential services and hardworking staff who keep our community running smoothly every day.