Jan. 27, 2004 -- The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, Benjamin Grumbles, announced the airing of an upcoming half-hour television special about watersheds co-produced by the Environmental Protection Agency and The Weather Channel.
After the Storm will premier on The Weather Channel on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 8 pm and 11 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Additional showings are set for Sunday, May 9th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST and Saturday, June 26th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST.
"I encourage everyone to tune in on February 4th to learn more about the threats facing our nation's waters from polluted runoff," said Acting Assistant Administrator Grumbles. After the Storm shows the connection between weather and watersheds and the importance of watershed protection.
We all live in a watershed and we all have an impact on our environment."
The program reminds viewers that a finite amount of fresh water exists on the planet, and that everyone needs to take actions to protect water resources. "Over the last thirty years, the nation has done a tremendous job in tacking pollution from large factories and sewage treatment plants," said Grumbles. "Remaining threats are much more difficult to regulate. When it rains or when snow melts, pollutants from city streets, suburban lawns, and farms may runoff into our nation's streams, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters."
The show highlights three case studies--Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi River Basin/Gulf of Mexico, and New York City-- where polluted runoff threatens watersheds highly valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water. Key scientists, water quality experts, and citizens involved in local and national watershed protection efforts provide insight into the problems as well as solutions to today's water quality crisis.
Acting Assistant Administrator Grumbles added, "EPA was pleased to team up with The Weather Channel on this educational special. Broadcast meteorologists are considered trusted and effective spokespersons for conveying complex environmental and scientific information to the American public, and millions of viewers tune into The Weather Channel daily for the latest weather updates. Weather events--like droughts, floods, and rain -directly impact the quality of our water resources. They offer a perfect opportunity for meteorologist to discuss connections between weather and watersheds."( http://watershed.interactive-environment.com/main/)
In addition to illustrating the environmental implications of weather events, the special provides useful tips on how people can help make a difference. After the Storm explains simple things people can do to protect their local watershed--such as picking up after one's dog and recycling household hazardous wastes. It also shows how some communities and private companies are getting involved through low impact development - utilizing rain gardens and green roofs to minimize stormwater runoff.
Viewers are encouraged to visit the EPA web site - http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel for more information about what they can do, including a free brochure about stormwater pollution.
After six months, EPA owns the rights to the special. The Agency intends to make After the Storm available to other television stations and educational organizations interested in broadcasting the show.
