MIAMI_IESPSP2014_OXSTORMWATER_REPORT

Professional Service Project
FINAL REPORT
May 16, 2014
STORMWATER IN OXFORD:
INVENTORY OF STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE OUTREACH AND MARKETING
Client:
City of Oxford Environmental Commission
Wright Gwyn, Chair
Vincent Hand, Vice-Chair
Kate Rousmaniere, City Council Representative
Robert Bell, Planning Representative
Kevin Armitage
Ted Wong
David Treleaven, City of Oxford Staff Liaison
Project Team Members:
Russell Auwae
Alex Del Valle
Emma Kirkpatrick
Amy Stultz
Emma Troesch
Project Advisors:
Dr. Thomas Crist, PhD, Director
Suzanne Zazycki, JD, Outreach Coordinator
Institute for the Environment and Sustainability
Miami University
254 Upham Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-5811 (voice)
513-529-5814 (fax)
Institute for the Environment & Sustainability

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report contains the results of a Professional Service Project (PSP) that took place from
August 2013 through May 2014. The PSP was completed by a team of first year graduate
students in Miami University’s Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES). The
project team worked with the city of Oxford Environmental Commission to create an inventory
of all the structural stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in Oxford, OH, and research
strategies for implementing an effective stormwater education and outreach program.
Using interviews and an online questionnaire, the team identified structural BMPs within Oxford
corporation limits. The team used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to present a visual
inventory of these structural stormwater BMPs in Oxford. A total of 96 BMPs were identified,
but only 89 were mapped because some residents wanted to remain anonymous. Popular
structural BMPs used by residents are rain barrels, rerouted gutters, and vegetation buffers.
Forty-one of the BMPs on the map are drainage basins constructed by developers. Many of these
were identified using a remote sensing technique called Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR),
which creates digital elevation maps that can be used to find depressions in the landscape. The
team recommends the following: 1) Regularly update the GIS map and use for educational
purposes; and 2) Continue to use LIDAR to identify additional basins.
Through case study research, the team has identified 23 cities similar in population size (20,000-
26,500) to Oxford that have a stormwater outreach program. Common strategies include the
following: logos and slogans, brochures, storm drain stenciling, workshops, stormwater websites,
designated personnel or committees, and collaboration. These case studies did not indicate
whether these common strategies were effective. The project team has found the US
Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency endorse
Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) as an approach to develop an effective stormwater
education and outreach program. Thus, the project team recommends the following: 1)
Collaborate with other organizations to share resources and ideas; 2) Use CBSM strategies to
develop an effective stormwater education and outreach program; and 3) Enhance the City of
Oxford website with conveniently located education and outreach materials and an interactive
map.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special Thanks to:
David Treleaven
Wright Gwyn
Suzanne Zazycki
Robbyn Abbitt
We would also like to thank:
Vinny Cirrito
John McManus
Andrew Wilson
Thomas Crist
Kevin Armitage
Vincent Hand
Ted Wong
Kate Rousmaniere
Robert Bell
Oxford Seniors
Oxford Farmer’s Market
Larry Slocum
James Elliot
Prue Dana
League of Women Voters
Ann Showalter

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS…….…………………………………………………………………………………...…..iii
LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………………….…………………………..……...... iv
LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………………..………………..…….…v
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................2
BACKGROUND ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT......................................................................................2
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN OXFORD...................................................................................................4
PROJECT DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.................................................................9
VEGETATED...........................................................................................................................................................9
NON-VEGETATED...............................................................................................................................................12
RETENTION/DETENTION BASINS ...................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 3: INVENTORY OF STORMWATER PRACTICES IN OXFORD ...............................................14
METHODS.............................................................................................................................................................14
STRUCTURAL BMPS IN OXFORD.....................................................................................................................15
MIAMI UNIVERSITY STRUCTURAL STORMWATER BMPS ........................................................................17
COMMON ISSUES AND REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION.............................................................................20
CHAPTER 4: ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE STORMWATER OUTREACH AND MARKETING
PROGRAM................................................................................................................................................................22
CITIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION SIZES TO OXFORD ...........................................................................22
COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL MARKETING..................................................................................................26
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OXFORD........................................................................................................................29
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................................33
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................................................34
1) CONTINUE TO UPDATE GIS MAP OF STRUCTURAL BMPS FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.....34
2) CONTINUE TO LOCATE BASINS USING LIDAR METHOD.......................................................................34
3) DEVELOP EDUCATION PROGRAMS BY MAXIMIZING RESOURCES THROUGH COLLABORATION......34
4) UTILIZE COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL MARKETING TO DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE OUTREACH
PROGRAM.............................................................................................................................................................36
5) ENHANCE CITY OF OXFORD WEBSITE BY INCORPORATING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT.......................................................................................................................37
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................................37
REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................................................................38
APPENDICES............................................................................................................................................................45
APPENDIX A: METHODS.......................................................................................................................................45
APPENDIX B: CONSENT FORM..............................................................................................................................50
APPENDIX C: INTERVIEW SCRIPT .........................................................................................................................51
APPENDIX D: QUESTIONNAIRE ON STORMWATER BMPS.....................................................................................52
APPENDIX E: PRESS RELEASE ..............................................................................................................................55
APPENDIX F: MAPPED BMPS IN OXFORD CONTACT TABLE.................................................................................56
APPENDIX G: UNMAPPED BMPS IN OXFORD .......................................................................................................61
APPENDIX H: CASE STUDY TABLES FOR CITIES ...................................................................................................64
APPENDIX I: BMP PICTURES................................................................................................................................70
APPENDIX J: DEVELOPING AN INVENTORY OF OUTFALLS ....................................................................................71
APPENDIX K: ADDITIONAL MAPS AND PICTURES OF BMPS IN OXFORD ..............................................................73
APPENDIX L: MIAMI UNIVERSITY BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ....................................................................76

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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1. EFFECTS OF STORMWATER RUNOFF 2
FIGURE 2. CHANNEL AND STREAM-BANK EROSION 2
FIGURE 3. COMBINED SEWERS VS SEPARATE SEWERS 3
FIGURE 4. OXFORD AND OXFORD TOWNSHIP SUB-WATERSHEDS MAP 5
FIGURE 5. BULL RUN AND WESTERN KNOLLS MAP 6
FIGURE 6. PICTURES OF SEVERAL COMMON STRUCTURAL BMPS 9
FIGURE 7. VEGETATION BUFFER DIAGRAM 10
FIGURE 8. GREEN ROOF DIAGRAM 11
FIGURE 9. RAIN GARDEN DIAGRAM 11
FIGURE 10. CURB CUT DIAGRAM 12
FIGURE 11. PERMEABLE PAVERS DIAGRAM 12
FIGURE 12. RAIN BARREL DIAGRAM 13
FIGURE 13. BASIN INFLOW DIAGRAM 13
FIGURE 14. OXFORD BMPS MAP 15
FIGURE 15. OXFORD RAIN BARREL 16
FIGURE 16. SW QUADRANT OF OXFORD, OHIO 17
FIGURE 17. MIAMI UNIVERSITY BMPS MAP 18
FIGURE 18. OHIO CITIES WITH POPULATIONS BETWEEN 20,000-26,500 22
FIGURE 19. OHIO STORMWATER LOGOS 23
FIGURE 20. "GIVE WATER A HAND: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE" BROCHURE CAMPAIGN IN
OREGON, OH 23
FIGURE 21. STORM DRAIN STENCILING IN OREGON, OH 24
FIGURE 22. RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP IN HUDSON, OH 24
FIGURE 23. ENVIROSCAPE MODEL IN OREGON, OH 28
FIGURE 24. STORMWATER DEMONSTRATION SITE IN SOUTH EUCLID, OH 29
FIGURE 25. ONLINE MAP OF RAIN BARREL LOCATIONS IN GREEN, OH 29
FIGURE 26. OXFORD STORM DRAIN MEDALLION 29
FIGURE 27. REGIONAL STORMWATER COLLABORATIVE MEMBERS' LOGOS 30
FIGURE 28. US EPA STORMWATER LOGOS 31
FIGURE 29. BUTLER COUNTY STORM WATER DISTRICT DOWNLOADABLE POSTER 32
FIGURE 30. OXFORD QUADRANTS MAP 48
FIGURE 31. DIGITAL ELEVATION MAP 49
FIGURE 32. STRUCTURAL BMPS IN OXFORD 70
FIGURE 33. SOUTHEAST QUADRANT MAP 73
FIGURE 34. BULL RUN AREA BMPS MAP 74
FIGURE 35. WESTERN KNOLLS SUBDIVISION BMPS MAP 75
FIGURE 36. MIAMI'S WESTERN CAMPUS BMPS MAP 76
FIGURE 37. MIAMI’S SOUTH QUAD BMPS MAP 77
FIGURE 38. MIAMI UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT MAP OF MAIN CAMPUS 78
FIGURE 39. MIAMI UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT MAP OF WESTERN CAMPUS 79
FIGURE 40. MIAMI UNIVERSITY STRUCTURAL BMPS ON WESTERN CAMPUS 80

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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1. QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTION: OXFORD COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS 14
TABLE 2. OXFORD STRUCTURAL STORMWATER BMPS 16
TABLE 3. MIAMI UNIVERSITY STRUCTURAL STORMWATER BMPS 17
TABLE 4. ORGANIZATIONS WHO INSTALL BMPS IN OXFORD 20
TABLE 5. REGIONAL STORMWATER COLLABORATIVE MEMBERS 30
TABLE 6. ORGANIZATIONS WITH STORMWATER EDUCATION MATERIALS 32
TABLE 7. BMPS IN OXFORD CONTACT TABLE 56
TABLE 8. BMPS IN OXFORD CONTACT TABLE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 57
TABLE 9. UNMAPPED BMPS IN OXFORD 61
TABLE 10. SMALL CITY BROCHURES 64
TABLE 11. SMALL CITY COLLABORATIONS 65
TABLE 12. SMALL CITY LOGOS/MASCOTS 65
TABLE 13. SMALL CITY ORDINANCES 65
TABLE 14. SMALL CITY STORM DRAIN STENCILING 66
TABLE 15. SMALL CITY PROGRAMS 66
TABLE 16. SMALL CITY FLYERS/DOOR HANGERS/TIP CARDS/NEWSLETTERS 67
TABLE 17. SMALL CITY ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYS 67
TABLE 18. BIG CITIES 68
TABLE 19. BIG CITY LOGOS/MASCOTS 68
TABLE 20. BIG CITY PARTNERSHIPS 69
TABLE 21. BIG CITY THEME 69
TABLE 22. BIG CITY PROGRAMS 69

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The city of Oxford Environmental Commission was created to “promote and foster an awareness
of environmental issues in the community, insure the consideration of environmental quality
through community programs, and provide information to the community” (Oxford Stormwater
Mission, 2013). Since 2001, stormwater control has been one of the main priorities of the
Commission. The city has a stormwater program and is continuing to meet their stormwater
needs. In 2013, the Commission enlisted the assistance of graduate students from the Institute for
the Environment and Sustainability (IES) at Miami University to assist with identifying
structural BMPs in the city of Oxford and researching effective strategies for educating residents
about stormwater issues.
BACKGROUND ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater is defined as runoff from rain or melted
snow (US EPA, 2012). Ideally, stormwater drains into
the ground through pervious surfaces and replenishes
groundwater. However, in developed areas,
impervious surfaces limit stormwater from filtering
into the soil. This causes runoff to travel quickly into
surface water (US EPA, 2012). Runoff from
impervious surfaces can cause erosion, thermal
pollution, contaminated watersheds, and destruction
of habitats (US EPA, 2012). Erosion is primarily due
to the force of stormwater flowing from impervious
surfaces into storm sewers and further traveling
quickly into watersheds (see Figure 1). A high
volume of stormwater runoff can damage stream-
banks and vegetation (see Figures 1 and 2) (US EPA, 2003). Runoff from dark impervious
surfaces such as streets and
rooftops absorb heat and
contribute to thermal pollution
(US EPA, 2014). Contaminants
such as solids, metals, synthetic
organics, pathogens, petroleum
hydrocarbons, nitrogen,
phosphorus, and oxygen-
demanding substances can
enter watersheds from
untreated stormwater runoff
(US EPA, 1996). These
contaminants reduce water
quality and impair watershed
use (US EPA, 1996). To
protect aquatic ecosystems andFigure 2. Channel and Stream-Bank Erosion
Photo source: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/stormwater
Figure 1. Effects of Stormwater Runoff
Photo source: www.uvm.edu

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property values, it is important for municipalities to manage stormwater.
Traditional systems of stormwater management concentrate on moving water off site as quickly
as possible. Conventional systems, such as combined sewer systems (CSS), collect water,
sewage, and wastewater through piped networks and discharge into wastewater treatment plants
(US EPA, 2012). During heavy rain events, CSS are designed to reroute the extra volume of
water away from the treatment plant directly to a waterway, resulting in some sewage entering
the local waterways
(US EPA, 2012).
Municipal separate
storm sewer
systems (MS4s)
have separate
sewage and
stormwater pipe
systems. The
sewage pipes route
directly to the
treatment plants and
storm drains route
directly to local
waterways (US
EPA, 2014). CSS
overflow and MS4
runoff can carry pollutants directly to a watershed (see Figure 3) (US EPA, 2014).
Stormwater can be managed in better ways to improve the hydrology of watersheds and return to
predevelopment conditions (US EPA, 2012). Predevelopment conditions would contain less
impervious surfaces, enabling stormwater to infiltrate the soil and replenish groundwater. To
manage stormwater runoff more effectively, many cities across the United States are required to
obtain permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control
stormwater runoff (US EPA, 2005). The Clean Water Act established the NPDES permit
program in 1990 to control water pollution from point sources, such as municipal and industrial
facilities whose wastewater drains into surface waters (US EPA, 2009). The NPDES requires
operators of MS4s to obtain a permit and create a stormwater management program in order to
reduce contamination from stormwater runoff and to prevent unlawful discharges (US EPA,
2005).
There are two phases of the NPDES. Phase I requires permits for MS4s with populations of
100,000 or more. Phase II permits were created for smaller MS4s and populations of less than
100,000 (US EPA, 2005). Phase II includes urbanized areas and some cities outside of urbanized
areas (US EPA, 2005). Phase II requires operators of MS4s to develop a stormwater management
program that contains six required minimum control measures (MCMs). These MCMs include
the following (US EPA, 2005):
Figure 3. Combined Sewers vs. Separate Sewers
Photo source: hydro-logic.blogspot.com

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1) Public education and outreach
2) Public participation and involvement
3) Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4) Construction site runoff control
5) Post-construction runoff control
6) Pollution prevention
These MCMs are met primarily through the use of best management practices (BMPs), which
are designed to reduce the amount of pollutants that runoff into receiving waters (US EPA,
2005). BMPs include any structure or program that helps manage the discharge of stormwater
(United States, 1993). BMPs can be structural or non-structural. Structural BMPs are physical
structures that treat stormwater runoff, while non-structural BMPs are supplementary
management practices that can incorporate practices from regulations to public education (Water
Research Foundation, 2010).
Structural BMPs are often used in stormwater management to mitigate runoff from buildings and
impervious cover in watersheds. Structural BMPs produce the environmental benefits of
stormwater mitigation, water conservation, groundwater recharge, and reduced watershed
pollution. Examples of structural BMPs used for controlling stormwater include bioswales, curb
cuts, green roofs, pervious pavement, permeable pavers, porous concrete, rain barrels, rain
gardens, retention/detention basins and vegetation buffers (US EPA, 2010).
Non-structural BMPs can include public education on non-point source pollutants and
maintenance practices of stormwater collection and treatment systems (US EPA, 1999). These
education BMPs are also a key tool in teaching pollution prevention (US EPA, 1999). When
used effectively, these education programs may decrease the need for structural BMPs (US EPA,
1999). Non-structural BMPs are especially effective when used in combination with structural
BMPs.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN OXFORD
The city of Oxford has been included in the NPDES Phase II program since 2005 and is
currently in the permit period of 2009 – 2014 for the following reasons: it is located outside of an
urbanized area and within the impaired watershed of Four Mile Creek (see Figure 4), its
population is greater than 10,000 and its population density is greater than 1,000 people per
square mile. Urban runoff from Oxford accounts for the impairment of phosphorus and metals in
Four Mile Creek (Ohio EPA, 2008). Oxford has a population of 21,351 according to the 2012
census and has a population density of 3,734 (City of Oxford, 2007).

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Figure 4. Oxford and Oxford Township Sub-Watersheds Map
To develop the most effective stormwater management program, the Commission has conducted
and sponsored research projects that will help them better understand stormwater issues in
Oxford. In 2010, the Commission sponsored a student research project on Bull Run, which is a
local stream that runs through several neighborhoods in the city (see Figure 5: Bull Run is
labeled in red). Residents living near this watershed have experienced issues with heavy rain
events and stormwater runoff. This runoff has eroded stream-banks and damaged residential
properties. Population growth and subsequent new development has contributed to an increase in
impervious surfaces and acts as a primary cause to the problems within the watershed. Extensive
erosion has been a considerable issue and has been exacerbated by the conditions of new
development and stormwater runoff over the last decade (Benoit et. al, 2011).

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Figure 5. Bull Run and Western Knolls Map
In 2011, students examined potential structural stormwater BMP retrofits in comparison to
traditional development in the Western Knolls subdivision (see Figure 5: Western Knolls is
labeled in blue). The team concluded that stormwater runoff could be diverted and infiltrated
better with the proposed retrofits, more so than with traditional development (Benoit and
Toussand, 2011).
In 2012, the Commission conducted a survey to gauge the community’s level of concern
regarding the stormwater issue. The respondents indicated that the issue of stormwater is
important, incentives should be used to encourage structural BMP implementation, and
stormwater is a shared responsibility for all members of the community (Oxford Stormwater
Mission, 2013).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This research project will focus on the first two minimal control measures (MCMs) of public
education and outreach and public participation and involvement. In order to meet the measure
of public education and outreach, the city must disseminate educational materials or utilize
outreach activities on stormwater effects within local watersheds and also use BMPs with
measurable goals (US EPA, 2005). To meet the MCM of public participation and involvement,
the city must meet public notice conditions and establish suitable BMPs with assessable goals
(US EPA, 2005). This research project will also provide some information relevant to the fifth
MCM of post-construction runoff control, primarily concerning retention and detention basins in
Oxford.

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The Commission asked the project team to:
 Identify locations of structural BMPs in Oxford
 Begin to identify basins in Oxford subdivisions
 Understand how other cities communicate to the public about the use of structural BMPs
 Provide guidance on effective stormwater education and outreach programs
A team of Master’s students from Miami University’s Institute for the Environment and
Sustainability (hereafter “project team”) prepared this report. The report describes the research
plan that the project team followed to provide the Commission with: 1) A map of structural
BMPs present in Oxford; and 2) Recommendations for effective stormwater outreach. The
project team conducted this research over the course of two semesters to fulfill the requirements
for two courses entitled Professional Service Project (IES 610 and IES 610G).
Problem Definition
The city of Oxford, Ohio is required under the NPDES permit program to manage their
stormwater. The city must educate and involve its residents in order to meet the permit
requirements. The Environmental Commission needs to gain insight into what BMPs that
residents are using in residential and commercial settings in order to gauge current stormwater
efforts in Oxford. The Commission would also like to better understand what education and
outreach programs are used by other cities comparable to Oxford.
Goal One
Provide specifics to the Environmental Commission about any structural BMPs currently
being used by residents and businesses within the corporate limits of Oxford.
Objectives
1.1 Collect structural BMP information from Oxford residents and businesses.
1.2 Map structural BMPs in the Oxford corporate limits using Geographic
Information Systems (GIS).
1.3 Locate retention and detention basins using Light Detection and Ranging
(LIDAR).
Goal Two
Develop recommendations for a comprehensive stormwater education and outreach
program for the Environmental Commission.
Objectives
2.1 Research stormwater education and outreach programs in other cities
comparable to the population and size of Oxford.
2.2 Compile recommendations for the Environmental Commission for an
effective education and outreach program.
The remainder of this report will present the results of the project team’s research and
recommendations. Chapter 2 provides background information on structural BMPs. Chapter 3

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presents the methods used to collect information about structural BMPs in Oxford supplemented
with a map depicting locations. Chapter 4 explains the findings from the research on outreach
and marketing programs in similarly sized cities. Included is an explanation of Community
Based Social Marketing (CBSM), an outreach technique endorsed by the US EPA. Chapter 5
provides recommendations for improving the inventory of structural BMPs and developing an
effective education and outreach program to satisfy the NPDES MCMs.

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CHAPTER 2: STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
This chapter describes the types of structural BMPs that are generally used in Oxford and other
municipalities across the nation. These include vegetated BMPs, non-vegetated BMPs, and
retention and detention basins, which are often a combination of vegetated and non-vegetated
methods. Figure 6 shows a variety of BMPs from vegetation buffers to retention basins.
VEGETATED
Vegetated BMPs are important because they have multiple functions. Not only do they slow the
velocity of stormwater runoff and let sediments settle, they also have the added capability of
filtering pollutants out from the water (US EPA, 2012). Plants not only help extract and degrade
pollutants, but also improve soil stability and provide habitat for birds and insects (US EPA,
2012).
Figure 6. Pictures of Several Common Structural BMPs
A) Vegetation buffer; B) Permeable pavers; C) Rain barrel; D) Rain garden; E) Green roof; F)
Curb cut; and G) Retention/Detention basin
Photo sources:
http://www.raingardensforthebays.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PASWBMPManualChapt6.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/northern_kentucky_appendices.pdf
A B
C
D
E
F G

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Pollutants contaminating soil and stormwater can be hazardous to human and environmental
health and can be managed in part by phytoremediation (Salt et al., 1998). Phytoremediation is
the use of plants to mitigate an environmental problem. There are many types of
phytoremediation, two of which are relevant to our project. One important type is known as
phytoextraction or the use of pollutant-accumulating plants to remove metals or organics from
soil by concentrating them in harvestable plants. Another type is rhizofiltration, the use of plant
roots to adsorb pollutants, mainly metals, from water and aqueous waste systems is the other
important type of phytoremediation (Salt et al., 1998).
Phytoremediation is typically most applicable to sites with shallow contamination (<5m depth).
It works best for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds, chlorinated
solvents, or nitrotoluene ammunition wastes or excess nutrients like nitrate, ammonium, and
phosphate. BTEX can be found in petroleum products such as diesel fuel, home heating oil and
gasoline. BTEX can be introduced into the environment from leaks in fuel tanks and fuel spills
(Maryland Department of the Environment, 2007). While phytoremediation has many benefits to
the environment, the process usually takes longer than traditional approaches to reach cleanup
goals (Schnoor, 1995).
The fungi associated with plant roots or ectomycorrhizal fungi have also been shown to degrade
pollutants. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that were once used as coolants have been shown
to degrade with the use of these specialized fungi (Chekol et al., 2004).
Phytoremediation can be applied to stormwater runoff from many types of land use. Agricultural
non-point source runoff is a logical application of phytoremediation (Schnoor, 1995). Although
the land use of the residents in Oxford is not primarily agriculture, Four Mile Creek is impaired
in part by agricultural runoff and the resulting nutrient enrichment (Ohio EPA, 2008). In this
case structural BMPs, such as vegetated buffers, could be used to mitigate enrichment alongside
the banks of Four Mile Creek. Rain gardens and similar BMPs could be used to filter urban
runoff from driveways and roads that originate from automobile use and exhaust.
Vegetation Buffers
Vegetation buffers are dense thickets
of vegetation that help absorb and
filter stormwater runoff (see Figure 7).
Landowners near riparian zones can
intentionally plant these dense thickets
or unknowingly implement them while
intending the plants to fulfill another
purpose. Vegetation buffers prevent
stream erosion and absorb nutrients
carried by stormwater runoff
(Minnesota Department of Agriculture,
2013). These vegetated structures also
provide habitat for insects and small
birds.
Figure 7. Vegetation Buffer Diagram
Photo source: www.mda.state.mn.us

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Green Roofs
Green roofs are engineered with a permeable membrane that allows plants to grow and absorb
rainwater. Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff, while also filtering pollutants such as
phosphorus and nitrogen. Not all roofs have the capacity to become green roofs depending on the
holding capacity of the roof during full saturation (US EPA, 2008). Figure 8 shows the general
layering of a green roof.
Rain Gardens
Gardens filled with native vegetation placed in a landscape depression are known as rain gardens
(see Figure 9). They serve not only to beautify a property, but also aid with property stormwater
drainage. Rain gardens are a typical remedy for homeowners to divert water away from their
basement or foundation. These gardens hold runoff so that it can be absorbed into the ground
rather than flowing
into a storm drain
(Environmenterie,
2014).
Figure 8. Green Roof Diagram
Photo source: www.greensulate.com
Figure 9. Rain Garden Diagram
Photo source: www.jswcd.org

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NON-VEGETATED
Vegetated BMPs are designed to slow stormwater flow and reduce potential erosion. Non-
vegetated BMPs are for storage or redirection of stormwater.
Curb Cuts
Typically, streets have concrete barriers
that channel water to a storm drain. Curb
cuts are open segments in the concrete
barrier along streets that allow water to be
released into vegetated areas. Stormwater
release via curb cuts reduces the amount of
water channeled into storm drains,
prevents flooding, and allows for
groundwater recharge (US EPA, 2009).
Runoff flows along the curb reaching the
cutout, which release the runoff to open
vegetation for water infiltration (see
Figure 10).
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are interlocking bricks that can be installed to serve as parking lots or
sidewalks. The gaps between the interlocking bricks allow water infiltration, reduce runoff, and
prevent flooding. Interlocking bricks over gravel allow water infiltration (see Figure 11)
(Livinglandscapes, 2009).
Figure 10. Curb Cut Diagram
Photo source: www.ag.arizona.edu
Figure 11. Permeable Pavers Diagram
Photo source: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk

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Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are used to collect rainwater for future
reuse to water lawns and gardens. Rain barrels
generally collect rainwater from rooftops in order to
limit stormwater that would otherwise runoff. Roof
rain gutter spouts fill a screen protected drum for later
use (see Figure 12) (Environmenterie, 2014).
RETENTION/DETENTION BASINS
Retention and detention basins are typically found
near large parking lots or developed areas. Retention
basins are designed to hold rainwater longer than
detention basins, but both serve to store water for
slow recharge of groundwater or discharge to a stream (see Figure 13) (University of Liverpool,
2014). This allows contaminants to settle rather than flowing immediately into surrounding
waterways. Contaminants may also be filtered out through natural biological processes, such as
root absorption (US EPA, 2012).
Retention and detention basins do not completely conform to either the vegetated or non-
vegetated categories. Vegetated buffers should be maintained around these basins to protect their
banks from erosion and to provide pollutant removal before entering the basin (US EPA, 2012).
However, these buffers are not always maintained and the banks are often planted with grass and
mowed before any native vegetation can be established.
While basins are an effective means of managing stormwater in developed areas, they are not
well suited for urban settings, arid climates, or areas with karst topography (a landscape with
easily eroded bedrock that is dissolved by precipitation) (US EPA, 2006).
Figure 12. Rain Barrel Diagram
Photo source: www.environmenterie.org
Figure 13. Basin Inflow Diagram
Photo source: www.liv.ac.uk

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CHAPTER 3: INVENTORY OF STORMWATER PRACTICES IN
OXFORD
To satisfy the first goal of this project, the project team used GIS to create a map of structural
BMPs in Oxford. This map includes residential locations identified using a questionnaire and
interviews. The map also includes details about the stormwater management on Miami
University’s Oxford campus. To assist Oxford with satisfying the post-construction runoff
control MCM, the project team also used a remote sensing technique and aerial imagery to
identify retention and detention basins throughout the city.
METHODS
To identify structural BMPs on residential properties and businesses, the project team used the
method known as snowball sampling. This method uses social networks of participants to
identify other participants (Noy, 2008; Grauerholz, 2012). Snowball sampling is effective when
the location and detail about a population are uncertain (Prokopy, 2011), but the results cannot
be generalized to the entire population (Levy, 2008). The project team chose snowball sampling
rather than a survey of the entire population for two main reasons: 1) There was a small list of
residents who were known to have structural BMPs and who would likely know others with
similar BMPs; and 2) The project team anticipated that additional surveys would be needed to
develop an effective stormwater education and outreach program. Because surveys on
stormwater issues had recently been conducted in 2010 and 2012, the project team did not want
to create survey fatigue. Survey fatigue is defined as subjects not participating in surveys as a
result of having too many survey requests (Grauerholz, 2012).
The project team conducted interviews with residents who
were known to have structural BMPs on their property. This
initial list was compiled through interviews with Commission
members and review of past research (Kitheka, 2010). The
project team also distributed an online questionnaire and a
press release through the City of Oxford webpage (see
Appendix A-E). Several community organizations also
distributed the questionnaire to their members (see Table 1 for
a list of participating organizations). The project team asked all
of the individuals we contacted to pass on our questionnaire or
to provide us with additional names of people who might have
BMPs in Oxford.
In compliance with University policy and federal regulations,
the project team followed the proper research protocol of the
Institutional Review Board (see Appendix B). This included
obtaining explicit written consent from anyone whose structural BMP was identified on the map
(see Appendix F).
Table 1. Questionnaire
Distribution: Oxford
Community Events &
Organizations
Audubon Miami Valley
Des Fleurs Garden Club
Oxford Farmer’s Market
Harvest Moon Festival
Interfaith Climate Change
League of Women Voters
Oxford Seniors
Three Valley Conservation Trust
Shademakers Nursery &
Landscape, Inc.
Songbird Environmental LLC
Johnson Greenscaping

15
Information regarding Miami University’s stormwater management was gathered through an
interview with University Architect Vinny Cirrito and the Miami University Stormwater Master
Plan (Kinzelman, 2011).
STRUCTURAL BMPS IN OXFORD
The team identified 96 structural BMPs within Oxford corporation limits. Eighty-nine of these
are mapped on Figure 14. Seven of the locations are not mapped because the contacts wanted to
remain anonymous. The project team identified additional BMPs located outside city limits,
some of which are visible on this map (see Appendices F, G, and I).
Figure 14. Oxford BMPs Map
The most popular BMPs in Oxford are rain barrels (see Figure 15), with a total of 14 labeled on
the map (see Table 2). According to our research, the project team found that some individuals
constructed their own BMPs, many of which are improvised rain barrels. Residents also created
their own “homemade” rain barrels by using tubs of various sizes to collect rainwater.

16
Other than Oxford residents, the project team also found organizations and institutions that were
utilizing structural BMPs on their properties:
Oxford Community Arts Center
 Rain garden
 Small green roof on the Children’s Garden
shed for educational and aesthetic purposes,
though it does not provide much filtration for
stormwater runoff
Talawanda High School
 Retention basin
 Curbless parking lot with berms
 Three constructed wetlands
Retention and Detention Basins
One MCM required under the city of Oxford’s NPDES
permit is post-construction runoff control (US EPA,
2005).This requires MS4s to develop, implement
and enforce a program to address runoff after
development.
The Code of Ordinance and Charter of the Village
of Oxford, Ohio requires that all facilities after
1963 have an underground pipe system or drainage
ditches installed to provide adequate disposal of
surface water and maintain the natural pathway for
water (Oxford, OH, Chapter 923: Section 11).
Since 1963, approximately 193 phases of
subdivisions have been approved by the city
(Wilson, 2014). To comply with the city ordinance,
these phases or combination of phases should have some sort of drainage system or ditch for
surface water disposal. For this reason the project team helped identify and map basins
throughout the city.
The project team initially gathered data about basins through the questionnaire and interviews
with David Treleaven. While no basins were identified by questionnaire responses, David
Treleaven confirmed the location of many basins.
The project team’s next step for identifying basins in the city was to use the remote sensing
technique, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), to identify likely locations for basins. The
project team compared these locations to aerial images to verify whether the location contained a
basin. This process was completed for the Southwest (see Figure 16) and Southeastern quadrants
of Oxford (see Appendix K).
Table 2. Oxford Structural
Stormwater BMPs
Best Management Practice
Rain Barrels 14
Rerouted Gutters 10
Vegetation Buffers 6
Rain Gardens 4
Permeable Pavement 5
Bioswales 3
Educational Green Roof 1
Basins 28
Potential Basins in the SW quadrant
Curbless Parking Lot
3
1
Figure 15. Oxford Rain Barrel

17
Figure 16. SW Quadrant of Oxford, Ohio. Many of the confirmed basins were identified using LIDAR
and then confirmed using aerial photography. The potential basins were also identified using LIDAR, but
could not be confirmed using aerial photography. Additional methods will be needed to determine
whether these are basins.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY STRUCTURAL STORMWATER BMPS
It is important to document Miami University’s structural BMPs (see Table 3 and Appendix L)
since the majority of Miami University's Oxford Campus is located within Oxford corporate
limits and the city of Oxford and Miami University
share the same landscape, along with common
watersheds. Most, if not all of the University’s projects
fall under the jurisdiction of the Oxford General NPDES
Permit (US EPA, 2005). For construction projects, the
University is required under Oxford’s General NPDES
permit to submit a plan to the Ohio EPA for
construction site runoff control. Miami created a new
Stormwater Master Plan in 2011 that details many
potential sites of improved stormwater management
(Kinzelman, 2011). Many sites have been renovated and now contain stormwater management
Table 3. Miami University
Structural Stormwater BMPs
Best Management Practice
Rain Gardens 2
Future Rain Gardens 2
Grass Swale 1
Green Roofs 2
Basins 13
Curb Cuts 1

18
structures (see Figure 17). Miami has focused on stormwater controls to manage water quantity,
quality, and to mitigate the impacts of new impervious surfaces.
Figure 17. Miami University BMPs Map
Completed Projects on Miami’s Campus
Underground Detention Basins
Structural BMPs that manage water quantity include underground detention basins
located at the Goggin Ice Arena, Farmer School of Business, and Heritage Commons
University Housing complex (Cirrito, 2014).

19
Ponds
Stormwater controls to manage water quality include two ponds on Western Campus,
which capture the runoff from Cook field and Patterson Avenue, an area that
encompasses 25 acres. The water from the ponds is used to irrigate the natural field
portion of Cook field (the other seven acres were recently converted to synthetic turf).
One pond sits higher in terms of elevation and captures water from the new buildings on
Western. The lower pond was constructed with an outlet control structure to prevent an
overflow during a storm event (Cirrito, 2014).
Green Roofs and Rain Gardens
The lower pond on Western Campus is also used to heat and cool the green roof on the
new dining facility. A rain garden behind this new dining facility captures stormwater
from a large area through an underground system of cheek dams (see Appendix L). The
geothermal utility building on Western Campus has a rain garden and a green roof that
will be used by the University for educational purposes (Cirrito, 2014).
Current and Proposed Projects on Miami’s Campus
Miami University Architect, Vinny Cirrito, informed the project team of the following projects
that are currently underway on MU’s campus (Cirrito, 2014):
Patterson Ave
Enlarging a wetland on the east side of Patterson Avenue, designed for irrigating the band
field and the new Maple Street Field
South Campus
Constructing a wet pond with a grass swale on South Campus to collect water from
dorms
East Campus
Dredging Dogwood Pond near the Formal Gardens to make it function more like a
stormwater pond
Miami has proposed some projects to further update and increase stormwater management on
campus:
Western Drive
Plans to add a rain garden and grass swales along Western Drive on Western Campus
Shideler Hall
A rain garden will be added with the proposed renovations
Yager Stadium
The stormwater field near Yager Stadium will need to undergo remediation soon in order
to shift its function from wetland to wet pond
Dr. Donna McCollum, IES Environmental Monitoring Coordinator at MU, also described a rain
garden located at Miami’s Ecological Research Center outside city limits. The rain garden has

20
faced various problems since its implementation, especially with weeds. The rain garden is too
large and was not planted densely enough due to inadequate funding. A group of Miami students
utilize a restoration class taught by Hays Cummins to work with the garden’s managers to
increase its aesthetic appeal, ecological benefits, and management (McCollum, 2014).
COMMON ISSUES AND REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
In addition to locating structural BMPs in Oxford, interviews with residents revealed the
following:
Runoff
Residents and organizations have repeatedly reported having trouble managing their
stormwater runoff.
 The Oxford Community Arts Center has reported a large amount of stormwater
flowing from the roof of the Center, which is difficult to manage as they are lacking
funds to address stormwater issues
 Two residents with BMPs have noted that their property receives a lot of runoff from
their neighbor’s property
Interest in Funding and Installation
Many people ask for grant opportunities, incentives, tax breaks, and utility tax
exemptions. Most people interviewed by the project team were interested in more
information on BMPs and how to acquire these practices and install or create them. Some
residents with BMPs have expressed specific needs for more information to help further
their BMPs including:
 Recommendations on the upkeep of a retention basin (Talawanda High School)
 Source and installation of rain barrels
 Credit for taxes on expenses used to create BMPs
 Free rain barrel making classes
 Literature and assistance from knowledgeable individuals/organizations
 Articles in the Oxford Press or brochures that tell you how to obtain/use BMPs
Expansion of BMPs
Many organizations and people have helped
to install BMPs in Oxford (see Table 4).
The project team has found that many
individuals who already have and use
BMPs want to incorporate further BMPs on
their property, especially rain barrels.
 Three residents who already have rain
barrels want to acquire another
 Four residents who have vegetation
buffers on their property are interested
in acquiring rain barrels
Table 4. Organizations Who Install BMPs
in Oxford
Hamilton County Parks
City of Oxford Engineering Department
Butler Soil and Water Conservation District
Shademakers Nursery & Landscape, Inc.
Donna McCollum
Johnson Greenscaping
Joe Neyer and John DeVore
Urban Thickets Landscapes

21
 The current rain garden at the Oxford Community Arts Center is constructed with a
French drain, which could potentially funnel water into cisterns or rain barrels
 The Center also plans to expand its parking lot and would be interested in using
pervious surfaces, depending on funding availability
In general, the project team found that while several residents and businesses use structural
BMPs to manage stormwater, the majority of people interviewed still wanted more information
about stormwater and more guidance and financial assistance with implementation.

22
CHAPTER 4: ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE STORMWATER
OUTREACH AND MARKETING PROGRAM
The second goal of this project was to identify elements of effective stormwater education and
outreach programs that have been used by cities similar in size to Oxford. This information will
help the Commission develop programs that meet the NPDES public education and outreach and
participation and involvement MCMs. These MCMs require permit holders to implement an
education program, distribute materials, and involve the community.
This chapter first describes the results of the project team’s research on programs in cities with a
similar population as Oxford. It also describes Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM),
which is a technique endorsed by the US EPA for effective stormwater outreach. A key
component of outreach is developing partnerships, so this chapter will also explain what
collaboration opportunities are available for Oxford.
CITIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION SIZES TO OXFORD
The project team reviewed the
stormwater management programs of
23 cities in Ohio that had a similar
population to Oxford (20,000-26,500).
The cities the project team researched
(see Figure 18) had the following
categories of educational outreach and
marketing strategies:
1) Common logo or slogan;
2) Brochures, specifically: household
tips on lawn care and hazardous waste,
native plants and landscaping,
stormwater and rainwater, pet waste,
water pollution and conservation;
3) Storm drain “don’t pollute” stencils;
4) Rain barrel and rain garden
workshops;
5) Websites;
6) Designated personnel or
committees; and
7) Collaborations.
Figure 18. Ohio Cities with Populations between
20,000-26,500

23
Logos and Slogans
Many cities had a logo or slogan associated with their education campaigns that specifically
mentioned either stormwater or water quality (see Figure 19). Some also included a message
about working together to make a difference, such as Oregon whose slogan is “Give Water a
Hand: You Can Make a Difference,” (City of Oregon, 2013).
Brochures
Many of the cities used
brochures to educate
citizens on a variety of
issues. Common topics
include the following:
 Household Tips on
Lawn Care and
Hazardous Waste
 Native Plants and
Landscaping
 Stormwater and
Rainwater
 Pet Waste
 Water Pollution and
Conservation
Oregon’s brochure campaign took place over a 14-month period and was the combination of
brochure and tip card distribution along with corresponding advertisements in the Toledo Blade
(see Figure 20 and Appendix H for links) (City of Oregon, 2013). Link:
http://www.oregonohio.org/Engineering/public-education-and-outreach.html
Figure 20. “Give Water a Hand: You Can Make a Difference”
Brochure Campaign in Oregon, OH.
Photo source: cityoforegon.org
Figure 19. Ohio Stormwater Logos
Featured cities: 1) Green, Hudson; 2) Alliance; and 3) Oregon

24
Storm Drain “Don’t Pollute” Stencils
At least six of the similarly sized cities have storm drain
stenciling programs (see Figure 21 and Appendix H). A
great example of public involvement is the city of Sidney.
The city put signs and markers near storm drains to warn
their citizens that pollutants entering the drains will be
carried untreated to local water bodies. Their program
provides an opportunity for students to promote water
quality, targeting specifically middle school students, who
stenciled storm drains around their school to inform the
public that the catch basins drain to rivers and to discourage
illegal dumping (City of Sidney, 2009). The following cities
used the associated themes with their storm drain stencils:
 Oregon: Giver Water A Hand – You Can Make a Difference
 Sidney: No Dumping – Drains To River
o Link:
http://www.sidneyoh.com/pdf/WWTP/2012_Annual_Storm_Water_Report.pdf
 Solon: Dump No Waste, Drains To Waterways
o Link: https://oh-solon.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3569
The US EPA endorses the technique of storm drain stenciling for helping to educate the public
and to increase community participation in stormwater-related events (US EPA, 2012).
Rain Barrel and Rain Garden Workshops
At least five of the cities the project team
researched offer information on rain barrels and
rain gardens (see Appendix H). There are usually
opportunities for free or low-cost rain barrels and
rain garden workshops (see Figure 22).
Information provided on several cities websites,
include the following themes:
 Rain Barrels
o For sale
o Installation
o Art Programs
 Rain Gardens
o Manuals
o Workshops
o Native Plant Kits
Figure 21. Storm Drain
Stenciling in Oregon, OH
Photo source: cityoforegon.org
Figure 22. Rain Garden Workshop in Hudson,
OH
Photo source: hudson.oh.us

25
Websites
All of the cities that the project team researched have a stormwater section on their website. An
exemplar program would be the city of Green. Themes in their website include:
 General NPDES Phase II information with the six MCMs
 Why stormwater quality matters
o Stormwater education: http://www.cityofgreen.org/stormwater-education
 What the city is doing to manage their stormwater
o Living Green movement: http://www.cityofgreen.org/living-green
 What residents can do to improve stormwater quality
o Interactive online map: http://www.cityofgreen.org/rain-barrel
Designated Personnel or Committees
Every city the project team researched either hired a stormwater coordinator to fulfill the NPDES
Phase II requirements or formed a committee at the city or county level to specifically deal with
stormwater education and outreach and public involvement and participation. Here are a few
ways of cities like Oxford implemented their programs:
The city of Oregon hired a project representative to run the stormwater NPDES Phase II
program, including all six minimal control measures. She collaborates with the local soil and
water district, stormwater coalition, and a non-profit watershed group (Beard, 2014).
 Lucas County Soil and Water District for school education programs
 Pays dues to Partners For Clean Streams and the Stormwater Coalition for brochure
campaigns and surveys
 Fulfills public involvement through storm drain stenciling with Partners For Clean
Streams
 It is her duty to get Oregon residents involved and participating in these events, usually
through the city website
 Applies for grants for the city and collaborations to fund programs
The city of Alliance formed a Public Involvement Public Education (PIPE) Committee. The US
EPA ordered that Stark County, Ohio, which includes Alliance, must address the first two
MCMs of public education and outreach and public involvement and participation. This
committee is comprised of cities, townships, and village employees that address these MCMs.
The public is also encouraged to attend meetings, as well as comment and make suggestions on
future outreach programs and plans. The committee meets throughout the year to share ideas,
themes, costs, and activities on stormwater.
Link: http://www.cityofalliance.com/index.aspx?NID=369

26
Collaborations
One key element of the stormwater management programs was that cities did not undertake
stormwater management alone. Instead they partnered with other cities or regional agencies (see
Appendix H). At least 18 of the 23 cities utilized partnerships by pooling resources and money to
sustain and expand efforts toward improving stormwater education and outreach.
 Brochure and Newsletter: Oregon partnered with Maumee Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
for a brochure campaign and partners with the Stormwater Coalition for a newsletter
series.
 Local School: City of Green collaborated with a local middle school for the Stesse Road
Educational Wetland Project, which included creating a living classroom for both
students and residents (City of Green, 2013).
Link: http://www.cityofgreen.org/stormwater-education
 College: The city of Wooster has collaborated with Wooster College students on park
clean-up efforts. These efforts are being extended to coordinate an on-going college
focused adopt a stream or park program (City of Wooster, 2007).
Link: http://www.woosteroh.com/docs/stormwater/stormwater_management_plan.pdf
 Business: Oregon’s “Give Water a Hand: You Can Make a Difference” business
campaign was the first water quality education program in Ohio’s Northwestern region to
focus entirely on helping businesses save money, time, and resources while protecting
our area’s rivers and streams. This program provides business owners and managers’
information and assistance to help them save money and prevent pollution (City of
Oregon, 2013).
COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL MARKETING
The research on the smaller cities did not reveal whether these education and outreach programs
were effective. However, the project team found that the US EPA and Ohio EPA endorse the use
of a marketing technique called Social Marketing to promote changes in how people view
stormwater management (Lee and Wilbur, 2007).
Social Marketing is the practice of utilizing initiatives to promote changes in people’s behavior
(McKenzie-Mohr, 2010). One form of Social Marketing, CBSM is based on the premise that
changes in behavior prove to be more effective when they are at the community level and
involved in direct contact with people (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010). One type of CBSM is the
Attitude-Behavior, which brings about changes in behavior by increasing public knowledge
about an issue through media advertising, and distribution of brochures, flyers, and newsletters
(McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
CBSM Steps
Step 1: Select Behaviors
Determine which behavior should be promoted. Behavior change is the foundation of
sustainability (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010). Research of the smaller cities indicates that a

27
general behavior change for stormwater campaigns is awareness found through
environmental web-based surveys.
Step 2: Identify Barriers and Benefits
Behavior change is more effective if the outreach campaign is designed to overcome
barriers preventing the desired behavior. Promoting the benefits of the behavior is also
important, especially benefits that are valued by the target audience. Barriers can be
internal, such as lack of knowledge, or external, such as lack of resources necessary to
adopt the behavior (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010). Barriers and benefits are identified through
a combination of literature reviews, observations, focus groups, and survey research.
Common stormwater barriers include:
 Cost
 Knowledge of BMPs and their implementation
 Household practices that affect watersheds
Step 3: Choose Strategies To Enforce Behaviors
Most strategies are developed after personal contact is made. Social science research
indicates that people are most likely to change their behavior in response to direct appeals
from others (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
 Ask for a Commitment:
When an individual commits to a small request they are more likely to act on
what they committed to. Written commitments seem to be more effective than
verbal commitments (McKenzie-Mohr 2010).
E.g. Use the city website for cleanup event signups
 Build Community Support with Social Norms:
Social norms are the behaviors that people carry out because they are accepted by
society as the normal way to behave (McKenzie-Mohr 2010).
E.g. Use resident testimonials on the city website
 Speed Adoption with Social Diffusion:
The media can play a role in beginning the diffusion process by encouraging the
adoption of the new behavior by a small group of people. Once this group has
adopted a behavior, personal conversations play an important role in the behavior
being adopted more broadly. (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
E.g. Encourage early adopters to promote their BMP use
E.g. Include an interactive online map of residential BMP locations
 Remind with Prompts:
A prompt is a visual or auditory aid that has the purpose of reminding people to
carry out certain activities that otherwise might be forgotten. A prompt needs to
be placed as close as possible to the target behavior (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
E.g. Storm Drain Stencils, Magnets reminding residents about stormwater
practices, Demonstration site, Educational signage at community parks, public
areas, and events
 Use vivid, concrete, and personalized messages:
Information that is presented vividly is more likely to stand out and people are
more likely to remember the information at a later time (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
E.g. Interactive brochures: include prompts with brochures

28
 Offer Incentives to Motivate:
Prizes, cost savings for activities, and free giveaways can be an important
component strategy when motivation to engage in a behavior is low. Incentives
need to be large enough to be taken seriously and are most effective when they
are presented at the same time the behavior occurs (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
E.g. Offer reduced cost rain barrels
 Make it Convenient to Act:
If the behavior is unpleasant or time-consuming, no matter how well you address
barriers, the strategy will not be effective (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
E.g. Make information readily available on the city website
Step 4: Piloting
Piloting a program in a small portion of a community provides confidence that the
program will change behavior, be most effective, and be most cost-effective before it is
implemented on a large scale (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
Step 5: Broad-Scale Implementation and Evaluation
After piloting the program and evaluating the results, one can implement the campaign
across a broader community. To be effective, one must also evaluate the success of the
program by directly measuring the behavior change. These measurements can be used to
refine the program (McKenzie-Mohr, 2010).
Case Studies: Education and Outreach Examples
Oregon Spring Fest
At Oregon’s Spring Fest the Department of Public
Service Storm Water display includes information
about stormwater awareness, stormwater pollution
prevention, and how to become involved. Also
showcased is the EnviroScape® Model for
educating children (see Figure 23) (City of
Oregon, 2013).
Solon Environmental Survey
The city of Solon used an environmental survey
on the city website to review residents’
knowledge on stormwater quality awareness (see
Appendix H). Solon used this survey as part of
their requirements for the NPDES Phase II to aid
in public education and outreach and public participation and involvement. Questions
pertained to:
 Fertilizer use
 Pesticides
 Herbicides
 Composting
 Pet waste
 Recycling
 Household cleaners
 Motor oils
 Lawn maintenance
 Hazardous materials
Figure 23. EnviroScape®
Model in Oregon, OH
Photo source:
oregonohio.org/Engineering/pub
lic-education-and-outreach.html

29
South Euclid Demonstration Site
South Euclid was awarded a grant from the
Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund
to construct a demonstration site at their
Municipal Complex. South Euclid
reconstructed the front parking lot using
permeable pavement and replaced
unnecessary concrete with sustainable
landscape features (see Figure 24). This site
serves as public education and improves
stormwater management and drainage (City of
South Euclid, 2013). Link:
http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/municipal-
complex-stormwater-demonstration-
project.html
Green’s Interactive Online Map
Green uses an interactive map on their city
website to show the locations of residential
rain barrels (see Figure 25). Residents can add
their rain barrels to the map by contacting the
city’s GIS professional with their address and
an optional picture of the rain barrel. On the
same webpage are facts and benefits about
rain barrels (City of Green, 2013).
Link: http://www.cityofgreen.org/rain-barrel
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OXFORD
It is important to mention that Oxford is already actively
involved in educating residents about stormwater issues. With
the help of the Eagle Scouts, half of the city’s storm drains are
labeled with medallions (see Figure 26). Homes near the storm
drains were given door-hangers explaining the importance of
stormwater management. Oxford has also mailed three brochures
to residents with the annual Water Consumer Reports that have
the common theme of stormwater awareness.
Figure 26. Oxford Storm
Drain Medallion
Photo source: Amy Stultz
Figure 25. Online Map of Rain Barrel
Locations in Green, OH
Photo source: cityofgreen.org/rain-barrel
Figure 24. Stormwater Demonstration
Site in South Euclid, OH
Photo source: cityofsoutheuclid.com

30
Regional Stormwater Collaborative
In August 2013 Oxford became a member of the Regional Stormwater Collaborative (RSWC),
which will provide Oxford with
additional resources for stormwater
management.
The RSWC is “composed of storm
water districts, municipalities, and
soil and water conservation districts
in Southwest Ohio and Northern
Kentucky,” (see Table 5 and Figure
27) (savelocalwaters.org, 2013).
The organization’s purpose is to
“raise awareness about water quality
issues in the Ohio River Valley,”
(savelocalwaters.org, 2013). The RSWC created the theme “Save Local Waters” and
savelocalwaters.org in order to utilize mass media, share resources, and raise awareness about
water quality issues in the Ohio River Valley. Since 2008, the RSWC has been educating the
public with a strong message about nutrient runoff by purchasing airtime and print space
(savelocalwaters.org, 2013).
In the past, the RSWC has run a series of ads on both Cincinnati’s Channel 5 and Channel 12
with simple, yet strong
messages on soil
testing/nutrient reduction,
water conservation, stream
cleanup programs and
pharmaceutical and solid
waste disposal. These
videos can be accessed on
the website. The RSWC
also utilizes social media
outlets, including
Facebook, and newsletters
to update and reach their
members
(savelocalwaters.org and
Lentz 2013).
More recently, the RSWC implemented the Rain Barrel Art Project. This was a combined project
with the RSWC and the Cincinnati Zoo, created to promote the use of rain barrels throughout the
Ohio River Valley, with the hopes of educating people on the environmental issues of
stormwater runoff and watersheds and water conservation. Rain barrels continue to grow in
popularity all over the country because organizations are utilizing rain barrel art programs.
Artistic rain barrels are easy to promote and are more desirable and aesthetically pleasing to
people than plain rain barrels. Forty-two greater Cincinnati artists painted rain barrels and
Table 5. Regional Stormwater Collaborative Members
Butler County Storm Water District
Clermont County Soil & Water Conservation District
Deerfield Township Storm Water District
City of Florence
Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District
Hamilton County Storm Water District
City of Mason
Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati
Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District
Figure 27. Regional Stormwater Collaborative Members’ Logos

31
displayed them in April 2014 at the Cincinnati Zoo’s “Go Green Garden” and auctioned them at
the Zoo’s Tunes ‘n Blooms festival. Through this Rain Barrel Art Project, the RSWC received
substantial publicity, including considerable
TV and newspaper coverage
(savelocalwaters.org and Lentz, 2013).
US EPA Learning Center
This learning center page on the US EPA
website can be accessed from
savelocalwaters.org, which is through the
RSWC. This website has games and quizzes
for students K-12, and teacher resources
related to stormwater and water quality.
US EPA NPDES Outreach Toolbox
Another useful site from the EPA is the non-
point source (NPS) outreach toolbox. Logos,
mascots, and slogans are available for use in
any municipality, along with media
campaigns, surveys and evaluations (see Figure 28 and Table 6).
The National Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Network
The National NEMO Network is a collection of outreach education programs across the US that
educates local decision makers about protecting water quality. Ohio State University has
established the Ohio NEMO as an extension program. The National Network acts as a hub or
clearinghouse of information. Most of the resources available, from presentations to publications
to online tools, can be found on their website. In 2009, however, they lost their national funding
so each program operates on its own as funding allows. Since 2008, Ohio NEMO’s funding has
relied heavily on grant awards and has been more geared to agricultural non-point source
pollution issues, hypoxia/algal blooms in Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico, and stream channel
management. The cut in funding may explain why some communities have not heard of NEMO.
NEMO does not have programming dollars to support communities financially but is able to help
give technical advice, deliver presentations, develop educational materials, and work with others
to network and find solutions (Ohio NEMO, 2011; D’Ambrosio, 2014).
Ohio State University Extension Services
Ohio State University Extension Services is a non-formal educational program designated to help
individuals and communities use research-based knowledge to improve their livelihood. Their
website provides online learning modules, factsheets, brochures, publications, and technical
advice on stormwater issues (see Table 6) (OSU, 2014).
Butler County Resources
Butler County Storm Water District and Butler Soil and Water Conservation District are valuable
resources to Oxford. The issues these districts deal with are local to the county and are relevant
Figure 28. US EPA Stormwater Logos
Photo source: cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/Logos.cfm

32
to Oxford. The Storm Water District is dedicated to improving water quality by reducing
pollution to lakes, rivers, and streams in Butler County. There are many stormwater resources
available on the Storm Water District website, such as downloadable materials (see Figure 29).
These services help with increasing public
awareness (Butler County Storm Water
District, 2014).
The Butler Soil and Water Conservation
District is able to conduct free school
education programs and field trips on stream,
watershed, and soil education. They also have
affordable rain barrels and rain barrel
installation kits available for purchase. These
services help provide interested individuals
with affordable rain barrels, and with
educating youth between grades 3-12.
Butler County Soil and Water Conservation
District and Butler Storm Water District
partner with Miami University’s Institute for
the Environment and Sustainability to manage
a volunteer stream-monitoring program called
Butler County Stream Team. The Stream
Team collects, analyzes, and report water
quality data within Butler County. The
parameters they measure include: nitrates, total phosphorus, bacteria, conductivity, total
dissolved solids, pH, and turbidity (Butler County Stream Team, 2014).
Table 6. Organizations With Stormwater Education Materials
Organization Materials Provided Link
US EPA Nonpoint Source (NPS) Outreach
Toolbox: Searchable catalog of exemplary
outreach examples, logos, slogans, mascots,
surveys, evaluations, media campaigns,
tips, and help
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/
US EPA Downloadable and customizable posters,
brochures, door hangers, stickers, manuals,
and bookmarks
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stor
mwatermonth.cfm#materials
US EPA/RSWC Leaning Center: Games, quizzes, and
teacher resources
http://www.epa.gov/students/in
dex.html
http://savelocalwaters.org/
NEMO Network Factsheets and Newsletters http://nemonet.uconn.edu/publi
cations/index.htm
OSU Extension
Service
Factsheet http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-
fact/0442.html
Butler Storm
Water District
Stormwater resources such as downloadable
posters and educational materials
http://www.stormwaterdistrict.o
rg/resources.html
Figure 29. Butler County Storm Water
District Downloadable Poster
Photo source:
stormwaterdistrict.org/resources.html

33
CONCLUSION
Of the 23 small Ohio cities that the project team researched, common stormwater education and
outreach programs included: a common logo or slogan, brochures, storm drain stencils, rain
barrel and rain garden workshops, stormwater information on the city website, designated
personnel or committees, and collaborations. Research did not yield specific determination on
whether the programs were effective. However, the US EPA and Ohio EPA all endorse CBSM to
promote changes in how people view stormwater management. Using the steps of CBSM, cities
like Oxford can create effective stormwater education and outreach programs. Examples from
small cities indicate the use of CBSM through brochure campaigns, surveys, workshops,
demonstration sites, and websites. There are many available stormwater education and outreach
resources at the local, county, regional, state, and nationwide levels. The Environmental
Commission can utilize the steps of CBSM, examples from Ohio cities, and available resources
through the RSWC to design an effective education and outreach program.

34
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATIONS
1) CONTINUE TO UPDATE GIS MAP OF STRUCTURAL BMPs FOR
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The project team recommends that the city maintain and update data points of structural BMPs
on the GIS map for two reasons: 1) It can help the city keep track of active stormwater BMPs
especially for the stormwater basins; and 2) It can be used as an interactive tool on the city’s
website similar to the way the city of Green, OH uses it. This uses the CBSM technique of
establishing social norms by showing individuals in the community that others have structural
BMPs and to take action.
One way to update the map is to conduct a comprehensive survey. The snowball sampling
method used to create the current map was sufficient for the scope of this project, however a
survey could reveal additional BMPs. The team recommends that the survey not be solely for the
purpose of gathering BMPs. Rather, a question about BMPs could be incorporated into a general
survey gauging residents’ understanding of stormwater issues.
An additional method for updating the map would be to follow the approach used by the city of
Green. Oxford could incorporate an interactive BMP map on the city’s website, and provide a
link where residents can submit their BMP information to a GIS coordinator or stormwater
specialist.
2) CONTINUE TO LOCATE BASINS USING LIDAR METHOD
The project team used LIDAR and aerial images to identify basins in the SW and SE quadrants
of Oxford. Additional work is needed to identify basins in the Northern quadrants. In addition, a
layer of precision can be added by using construction plans to identify basin locations proposed
by developers throughout Oxford. These maps will be scanned and used as raster data within GIS
software. By converting these hard copy maps to digital PDFs, a process known as
georeferencing can be used to overlay the old maps on top of current aerial imagery of the same
areas. In addition, computer identification of basins via LIDAR can be confirmed by field
surveying (see Appendix J). Knowledge of the basins will help the city in meeting the fifth
MCM of post-construction.
This work can potentially be completed by students at Miami University. Miami University’s
GIS Coordinator, Robbyn Abbitt, indicated that students in her GEO 442/542: Advanced
Geographic Information Systems could complete this project. Another possibility is that an IES
Master’s student could complete the project for a practicum.
3) DEVELOP EDUCATION PROGRAMS BY MAXIMIZING RESOURCES
THROUGH COLLABORATION
Our research revealed that cities similar in size to Oxford did not work alone. Collaboration is
essential for small cities because they can capitalize on the resources provided by partners.
Below are organizations the project team recommends the Commission collaborate with, and the
resources they provide:

35
 Regional Stormwater Collaborative
o Host community events
o TV and radio advertising
o NPDES Phase II compliance credits
o Utilize social media (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube)
o Informative stormwater videos
o Educational materials
 US Environmental Protection Agency
o Customizable brochures and posters
o Educational stickers
 Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Network
o Educational workshops, presentations, and tours
o Factsheets and brochures
 Ohio State University Extension Services
o Online learning modules
 Butler Soil and Water Conservation District
o Rain barrels and installation kits
o School programs and field trips
 Butler County Storm Water District
o Educational workshops and presentations
 Butler County Stream Team
o Water quality monitoring
o Educational outreach events
The city of Oxford is currently a member of the Regional Stormwater Collaborative (RSWC). As
a member of the RSWC, the city of Oxford receives compliance credit towards the NPDES
Phase II requirements concerning public education and outreach. This partnership will allow for
full access to executive board meetings and voting rights regarding program direction, projects,
and media campaign planning. Yearly numbers of public education and public involvement will
be provided to report for Phase II compliance assistance. Oxford’s events will be announced on
the savelocalwaters.org website calendar, as well as, social media sites throughout the year and
receive top priority media exposure, potential coverage, and campaign development. Video space
in the YouTube section on the RSWC website will also be available. Members receive free
admission to resource sharing workshops, media roundtable events, and networking
opportunities (savelocalwaters.org, 2014; Lentz, 2013).
Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of collaboration for Oxford, is assistance with
funding. During our interviews with Oxford residents, many were interested in installing
stormwater BMPs but noted that lack of funding restricted them from doing so. Andrea Beard of
Oregon noted that she acquires funding by collaborating with her partners. Jessica D'Ambrosio,
program manager of Ohio NEMO Program, the city of Oxford is encouraged to submit proposals
for the following funds (D’Ambrosio, 2014):

36
 Ohio EPA’s Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF)
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/oeef/EnvironmentalEducation.aspx
 Clean Ohio Grant
http://development.ohio.gov/cleanohio/
 US EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grant
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/nps/swif.aspx
4) UTILIZE COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL MARKETING TO DEVELOP AN
EFFECTIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM
Our case study research of comparable cities to Oxford revealed elements of implementing
CBSM. In addition, the US EPA endorses the use of CBSM to initiate educational outreach
programs. Below are the five steps to CBSM:
1. Selecting behaviors
2. Identifying barrier and benefits
3. Choosing strategies to enforce behaviors
a. Ask for a commitment
b. Build community support with social norms
c. Speed adoption with social diffusion
d. Remind with prompts
e. Use vivid, concrete, and personalized messages
f. Offer incentives to motivate
g. Make it convenient to act
4. Piloting
5. Broad-scale implementation and evaluation
Determine what behaviors need to be changed in Oxford residents. This usually centers on a
major issue(s) in the city. Typically, most stormwater outreach programs take a watershed
approach if water impairment is primarily due to non-point sources. The Commission could
target behavior changes such as water conservation, rain barrel and rain garden installation, no
dumping in storm drains, or picking up pet waste. Both the major issues in the city and what
behaviors to change can be determined through a comprehensive survey.
Barriers of these behavior changes can also be determined through a comprehensive survey.
Barriers could be a lack of awareness on the issue, inconvenient locations of materials, or taking
action is financially overwhelming. Knowing what the barriers are in the community will help
tailor your outreach program.
To overcome barriers in the community, there are several different strategies. Typically, outreach
programs focus on providing prompts to the community which might be door hanger brochures,
watershed markers, or pollution prevention signage at key areas. In combination with prompts,
most outreach programs use social norm and diffusion strategies. This might be posters with
pictures of residents participating in restoration project or installing a rain garden or rain barrel
on their property. Pictures of residents taking these actions serve as social norms, and through

37
social media, videos, posters, and brochures, these images can be broadcast throughout the
community through social diffusion. In addition, these pictures have a short testimony or phrase
that encourages others to take action. It demonstrates that other residents are taking action and
that it is normal to do so.
Once a set of strategies are chosen, it is important to pilot an outreach program that might target
a specific neighborhood or age range of individuals. During piloting, the program coordinators
assess how effective each strategy is, the amount of community participation, cost of materials,
logistics, and unseen issues to address. When the program coordinators have addressed all of the
details and issues of the pilot program and deemed it worthy of further investment, it is time for
broad-scale implementation and long-term monitoring. This step would involve incorporating a
larger audience and conducting long-term monitoring of the program through annual surveys and
environmental testing. Annual surveys and monthly environmental testing would gauge
community participation, behavior change, and the effectiveness of the stormwater outreach
program.
5) ENHANCE CITY OF OXFORD WEBSITE BY INCORPORATING MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Small cities similar to Oxford that have a stormwater outreach program have a webpage
dedicated to stormwater education materials, events, videos, and links. Having these
conveniently located on the city of Oxford website would help increase awareness on stormwater
and how to take action. The interactive BMP map mentioned previously could be a key feature
of the website. It would serve as a social norm and diffusion strategy that strengthens outreach
efforts.
CONCLUSION
The city of Oxford and the Environmental Commission have taken great strides with addressing
stormwater issues in Oxford. The stenciling program, information distributed through mailings,
stormwater management plan and recently sponsored research projects have helped the city
satisfy the NPDES permit requirements. The project team believes that maintaining the BMP
map and working with RSWC to develop a program that incorporates CBSM will strengthen the
city’s efforts to satisfy NPDES permit requirements.

38
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45
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Methods
1) E-mails
The project team drafted e-mails and sent them to various organizations, businesses, Miami
University faculty, and members of the Oxford community. In these e-mails, we informed
individuals about our project and included the questionnaire asking them to please forward it to
anyone who may have an interest in our project. The consent form was also included at the end
of the e-mail.
2) Interviews
Formal and informal interviewing is an extremely important in obtaining our data. Interview
questions were formulated and discussed between project team members before the interviews
were conducted (refer to Appendix B for the Interview Script).
2.1) The Oxford Environmental Commission
Numerous formal interviews were scheduled and conducted between members of the
project team and members of the Environmental Commission. Interviews with key
members of the Commission were conducted: City of Oxford Staff Liaison, David
Treleaven, and Vice Chair, Vincent Hand. Interview questions for each member were
scripted to specific individuals to reach their specific expertise and knowledge.
Interviewing the Environmental Commission is beneficial and crucial in locating and
documenting BMPs in Oxford.
2.2) Oxford Farmer’s Market
The Oxford Farmer’s Market uptown meets regularly on Saturday mornings in the
uptown park of Oxford. Market hours vary seasonally. The summer season runs from
8am to 12pm, the winter season from 9am to 12pm, and mini markets throughout
December are held from 10am to 12pm. Members of the project team attended markets
on Saturday mornings to informally interview members of the Oxford community.
The project team had a booth where they allowed individuals to approach the table. The
project team displayed a tri-fold poster board illustrating popular BMPs with
descriptions, as well as the project description, general BMP information, and a map
indicating the Oxford corporation line. The project team also distributed pamphlets,
essentially illustrating the same information. These pamphlets encouraged individuals to
tell their friends about the project.
A series of informal interview questions was scripted and project team members
addressed each question as they held informal conversations with individuals (refer to
Appendix B). The informal interview script is similar to the questionnaire. All individuals

46
that communicated with the project team received and signed a consent form to
participate in the project.
2.3) Phone Call Follow-Ups
In some instances, individuals were reached via telephone in order to set up appointments
for project team members to visit residential, business, and public properties for the
documentation of BMPs around the city.
3) Press Release
In order to reach a wide range of Oxford city residents, the project team drafted a press release
that was published on the city’s website. The press release was essential in order to make contact
with residents that may not attend the Farmer’s Market or are unable to be reached through other
Oxford organizations and businesses. Our primary team contact, Wright Gwyn, edited and
approved our draft. Then the questionnaire link was added to Oxford’s website. The final draft of
the press release can be found in Appendix D.
4) Questionnaire
The questionnaire was created using Qualtrics. The consent form that was used for visits and
interviews was added to the questionnaire to satisfy IRB requirements. The questionnaire was
tested by students and faculty within the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES)
and was sent to the clients for testing, and then sent out to the greater Oxford community.
The project team made phone calls and visits to various businesses and organizations in Oxford.
The project team also displayed a flier in one business, which described the project and provided
access to the questionnaire.
5) GIS Map
To display our findings about BMPs in Oxford from the questionnaire and interviews, we created
a map to show their rough locations throughout the city. To accomplish this we used ArcGISTM
created by ESRI, Inc. We worked with recent versions of the software, ArcGIS 10.2. GIS allows
data to be worked with and integrated into maps and locations around the world. The number of
tasks and capabilities the program is able to carry out makes it a necessary tool in creating the
map.
The project team needed to gather all the necessary items before we could begin to create the
map. Andrew Wilson, Technical Assistant of the Community Development Department of the
city of Oxford, was contacted to inquire about available Oxford city layers. He provided the
following items (Wilson, 2014):
 Oxford corporation boundary
 Hydrology

MIAMI_IESPSP2014_OXSTORMWATER_REPORT

MIAMI_IESPSP2014_OXSTORMWATER_REPORT

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