News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- Seven of Ohio's county Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been awarded a total of $75,000 for nonpoint source water pollution education through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Receiving 1999 Nonpoint Source Education Grants are the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Allen, Brown, Gallia, Lake, Noble, Stark and Warren counties.

"Ohio continues to work aggressively to reduce nonpoint source pollution, our number-one cause of water pollution," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. "By providing local communities with grants for educational projects, we can help inform Ohioans about the many different causes of nonpoint source pollution and ways to prevent it from occurring."

Nonpoint source pollution includes agricultural runoff and pollution that drains into waterways from highways, backyards and construction sites.

According to Speck, nearly $900,000 has been awarded to Ohio's Soil and Water Conservation Districts since the grant program was initiated in 1992. The grants are awarded jointly by the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission and ODNR.