Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium

The Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium is a partnership between communities (MS4s), universities, agencies and non-profits working together to implement a regional, watershed-scale stormwater runoff education strategy in the Charleston urbanized area.

Mission Statement

To improve water quality within the Ashley and Cooper River basins by providing educational opportunities on stormwater impacts and our community roles in supporting healthy, fishable, and swimmable waterways.

Program Goals

• Develop and implement an education plan that defines a cohesive education strategy which outlines target audiences and associated pollutants relevant to the region using a prioritized approach.
• Facilitate compliance with existing and future educational regulatory requirements by capitalizing on local resources and service providers.
• Foster citizen involvement in stormwater management through ACSEC education and participation programs.
• Encourage behavioral change towards environmental quality improvement through stormwater education.
• Utilize mainstream and developing technologies and tools to maximize citizen exposure to ACSEC stormwater goals and objectives.
• Create an interactive reporting process to facilitate information exchange and dissemination among member entities.

Education Priorities

ACSEC was created to coordinate and implement a regional watershed scale educational strategy focused on stormwater pollution prevention through education and community involvement.

Residential and Commercial Audiences

• Nutrient Management: Proper application of fertilizers, use of low to no-phosphorous fertilizers, increase the use of native plants, inform citizens of the soil testing tools Clemson Extension offers, and provide training and information on yard care best management practices for both professional and residential audiences.
• Stormwater Pond Management: Post-construction pond maintenance, homeowner association responsibilities and neighborhood awareness, pond retrofit, and upland best management practices.
• Bacteria Management: Proper disposal of pet waste, maintenance of septic tank systems, and fat, oils, and grease management.
• Litter Management: Increase the use of reusable shopping bags, proper disposal of cigarette butts, and removal of litter and debris from storm drains.
• Restaurants and Hospitality Management: Proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease.
• Automotive Business Management: Proper management and disposal of petroleum and hazardous materials.

2023 Annual Report

2024 - 2029 Stormwater Outreach Strategic Plan

Please visit the Archives page to view prior reports.

Carolina Clear

Carolina Clear is a comprehensive approach developed to inform and educate South Carolina communities about water quality, water quantity, and the cumulative effects of stormwater, leading educational efforts that result in sustained behavior changes that protect waterways.

In Office Outreach Materials

• EnviroScape
• Adopt-A-Highway
• Storm Drain Markers Kits
• Stormwater Door Hangers
• Pet Waste Bags
• Rain Barrels (Seasonal)
• Soil Sample Bags

To request in-office materials, please contact:

Bea Calhoun
843-730-5204
beatris@clemson.edu.

Charleston Extension Office
259 Meeting Street
Second Floor
Charleston, SC 29401

Bea Calhoun
Water Resources Agent
Charleston County
843-730-5204
beatris@clemson.edu

Samantha Porzelt
Water Resources Agent
Charleston County
843-722-5940
sporzel@clemson.edu

Mailing Address:
Clemson Extension
259 Meeting Street
Second Floor
Charleston, SC 29401