2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 40

John Gunsaulis and Katie Teague, Washington County Extension Office, 2536 N. McConnell Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72704; 501.444.1755; jgunsaulis@uaex.edu

Within the past 3 years, pesticide misuse and improper disposal have resulted in wastewater treatment plant upsets and fish kills within the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. As part of a desire to ensure that occurrences like these be avoided in the future, the ?Pollution Prevention Partners? (PPP) group was formed.

Organizations which became a natural fit for such a group were the University of Arkansas-Cooperative Extension Service, the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of Fayetteville Solid Waste Division, the Regional Solid Waste Management District, and the University of Arkansas Physical Plant. Each organization was initially protective of their own responsibilities and jurisdictions, but they were able to find common goals and interests in protecting Fayetteville from hazardous household wastes.

As a result, a comprehensive public educational program has been developed though the partnership. The program addresses the proper handling, use, and disposal of household hazardous products. The program also emphasizes user safety issues, the importance of considering alternatives when purchasing products, and ways to reduce the amount of excess which must be disposed of properly.

A 30-minute group slide program has been effectively presented to groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Clubs, Parent Teacher Associations, wastewater operators, Arkansas Environmental Federation, allowing the partnership members to work with new and different audiences. Traditional Extension audiences including Master Gardeners, Master Composters, Extension Homemakers have also responded enthusiastically to the program. The public access cable station in Fayetteville has requested that they videotape the program and run it repeatedly on the local government cable network. Finally, a brochure ?Protecting Fayetteville from Household Hazardous Wastes? outlines steps that residents can take to use products safely and effectively and provides contact information for the members of PPP.

Through the partnership, these agencies have developed working relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation, ultimately strengthening local water quality protection efforts.