A Trenton, Ga., resident was one of the winners of the EPA’s first-ever water quality video contest.
For four video submissions from individuals in the Southeast were reognized.
A submission from Lucas Ridley of Trenton won the 30- or 60-second category of the competition. The video, entitled “Protect Our Water – Check Cars for Oil Leaks,” illustrates that proper maintenance of motor vehicles is an easy step individuals can take to protect their watersheds.
Also recognized were Jess Stewart Bronaugh II of Nashville, with an entry focusing on pollution entering the waterways through storm drains, Michael Ohlsen of Tallahassee, Fla., whose video explains the important difference between storm and sewer drains, and Allison Doolittle of Gainesville, Fla., whose submission focuses on the water quality impacts of the overuse of fertilizers.
Of the more than 250 video submissions received during the contest, one overall winner was chosen for each of two submission categories and a further 22 videos were recognized as honorable mentions. Video topics included low impact development, wetlands, marine debris, watershed management, water quality monitoring, polluted runoff, and other water-related issues. Category winners were each awarded a $2500 cash prize.
The 1972 Clean Water Act has led to great improvements to the United States’ waters over the past 37 years; however, there is more to be done. Educating citizens about actions that they can take to promote the health of their water systems remains a vital component of improving the nation’s water quality.
Winning videos and honorable mentions are accessible at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/videocontest.html