Mississippi State University Awarded 2015 E.P.A. Region Four Rain Catcher Award

ATLANTA - The E.P.A. (EPA) acknowledged Mississippi State University with the regional 2015 E.P.A. Rain Catcher Award in the Neighborhood/Community Category for the Oktibbeha Co. Heritage Museum's rain garden plan in Starkville, Miss. The award was given at a ceremony during the E.P.A. Region 4/International Erosion Control Association Municipal Wet Weather Stormwater Conference, in Atlanta, Ga.

The Oktibbeha Co. Heritage Museum's rain garden plan was a 5-year plan designed and constructed by Mississippi State University students, faculty and community volunteers. Plan elements include a rain garden, public use pavilion with a green roof, conversion of unused parking space to grassed area, installation of a dry swale, cistern and sand filter, and educational signage for all elements of the project. The museum Plan provided hands-on experience for over 200 students in 6 disciplines, and now serves as a green infrastructure demonstration location for North Mississippi.

The E.P.A. Region four Rain Catcher Award acknowledges excellence in the implementation of stormwater green infrastructure practices. Green infrastructure uses natural systems and/or engineered systems designed to mimic natural processes to more effectively manage stormwater and reduce receiving water impacts. E.P.A. and its partner organizations have promoted the use of green infrastructure for many years as part of a comprehensive approach to achieving healthier waters. Green infrastructure reduces the volume of stormwater discharges by managing rainwater close to where it falls and removes many of the pollutants present in runoff, making it an effective strategy for addressing wet weather pollution and improving water quality.

Additional information on Mississippi State University's stormwater Plan can be found at: http://oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com/wordpress/

Connect with E.P.A. Region four on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast

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