The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition to host annual Stormwater Solutions Conference on April 12th

The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition (MWC) will host its annual Stormwater Solutions Conference offering practical ways to prevent and fix this leading source of water pollution. The conference will be held at Worcester State University from 4 - 8:30 p.m. on April 12th. The public, business, construction, municipal, school and conservation communities are invited to attend and hear the good news about keeping local streams and lakes healthy. Keynote speaker Curt Spalding, EPA region 1 administrator, will share stormwater updates focusing on EPA's "Soak up the Rain Campaign" to help people reduce polluted runoff. The MWC will also present its "Billion Gallons s Year" (BGY) Stormwater Reduction Campaign. The $10 registration ($5 for students) includes meeting materials and refreshments. Register online at www.commonwaters.org, or telephone (978) 534-0379. Stormwater is produced by the entire community and everyone can cleanse dirty runoff that harms vital waters. The meeting will feature workshops about "growing greener," low-cost remedies, aquatic ecosystems, stormwater utilities, erosion control, porous paving and more. Expert speakers will supply practical guidance for municipal officials, watershed groups, lake associations, builders, engineers and concerned citizens, which can help to reverse damages, restore stream life and renew community uses of local waters. Cosponsors include Blackstone River Coalition, Connecticut River Watershed Council, Housatonic Valley Association, MA COLAP, MA Rivers Alliance, Millers River Watershed Council, Mystic River Watershed Association, Nashua River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, OARS, Satuit Consulting, SuAsCo Watershed Community Council, and Worcester County Conservation District. Public opinion polls show that water pollution is a top environmental concern. In New England, stormwater causes the most damage to water quality. Fortunately, there are effective practices to prevent and fix the runoff problems that spoil community uses of their streams, lakes and water supplies.