The Central Ohio Clean Water Campaign (CWC) is the educational arm of the Sierra Club working locally on clean water issues. The Campaign works with Sierra Club volunteers on issues related to sewers, drinking water, and the health and preservation of our rivers, streams and wetlands. I (Brandi) coordinate this work out of the Sierra Club’s downtown office. Thanks to the many Sierra volunteers whose efforts are vital to the restoration and preservation of Central Ohio’s water quality. Here is a summary of CWC spring activities:

• Thanks to the participation of the Central Ohio Group, volunteers were rounded up for a clean-up along the Olentangy River in honor of Earth Day. Volunteers got their hands dirty picking up litter next to the bike trail at OSU Wetlands Research Park. There were 6 other groups doing worksites along the river that day, with a total of 87 volunteers collecting 53 bags of trash. These cleanups are part of a joint effort of the Sierra Club and FLOW called Adopt-An-Area of the Olentangy, and there are two more cleanups scheduled this year. Please contact Brandi or call 614-461-0734 x311 if you would like to join Central Ohio Group efforts or adopt a new area along the river.

• In May, the Aveda Institute Columbus concluded their Earth Month festivities with Earth Jam 2009. This successful event featured a live auction, raffles and a fashion show demonstrating the creativity of Aveda students and staff. The event allowed us an opportunity to educate the audience about the Sierra Club’s work and the importance of taking your own baby steps for clean water. Aveda sponsored additional activities this spring to raise awareness and funds for the Clean Water Campaign. Complimentary salon services were offered on Earth Day and donations were accepted instead of payment. We are awaiting the final results from Earth Month fundraising efforts. Thanks again to Aveda Institute Columbus for everything they do to support clean water.

• Also in May, Brandi Whetstone spoke to the Central Ohio Group to discuss rain gardens and their benefits. Stephanie Suter, Habitat Conservationist with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and Chair of the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative was a co-presenter. The audience provoked interesting and informative discussions about rain garden benefits, design and community incentives for residents who wish to plant a rain garden on their property. Contact for information about Central Ohio communities that offer cost-share opportunities for residential rain gardens.

• Sierra Club has been participating in a stakeholder group with the Columbus Division of Sewerage and Drainage, the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and local watershed groups to provide input on the analysis of green infrastructure benefits of rain gardens and green roofs, as well as potential locations for pilot projects in Columbus. Williams Creek and Brown and Caldwell are preparing the report and we expect it to be completed by the end of the summer.

• Brandi Whetstone was guest speaker at the first Backyard Conservation Workshop, part of a series of six workshops the Sierra Club and FLOW are jointly sponsoring, covering rain gardens, rain barrels, composting and more. Participants gathered at Highbanks Metro Park to learn about the history of the Olentangy River, the impacts of stormwater runoff and the importance of sustainable backyard practices for reducing polluted runoff. We had a great time with Suzan Jervey from FLOW, who took us wading in the river to count bugs, which are indicators of river health.

• Sierra Club participated in a stakeholder meeting with the Columbus Department of Public Utilities to address the Water Master Plan. The master plan takes a broad look at the entire water system to address drinking water supply, treatment, quality and operations. We submitted questions prior to the meeting in order to encourage consideration for water conservation and efficiency, and brought up concerns about pollution from agricultural runoff and pharmaceuticals.

• The Central Ohio Group addressed an environmental audit conducted by the Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which documented several permit violations. Group volunteers and Sierra Club staff will gather information about any progress toward correcting those violations since the audit was conducted, and will encourage any additional actions necessary to protect public health and the environment. More information will come in the future.

• Sierra Club approached the Ohio EPA to discuss concerns over Woody's Salvage Yard on McKinley Ave., located in downtown Columbus along the Scioto River. Woody's was featured in a local news program due to concerns over stormwater runoff potentially carrying automotive fluids and other pollutants off-site. In addition, there were concerns over improper handling of solid waste such as tires, batteries and used oil. Woody's failed to meet stormwater monitoring obligations in their permit and were cited for solid waste violations. Some of the problems have been corrected, but we will continue to follow new developments and encourage timely inspections and enforcement.

Please let us know if you would like to participate in any of our clean water efforts in Central Ohio. Contact Brandi Whetstone or call 614-461-0734 x311.