News Release
September 28, 2017
Butler County Storm Water District Coordinator Bob Lentz has received the 2017 Outstanding Urban Cooperator Award. Issued by the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District, this award recognizes a member of the development community who has taken extraordinary steps in natural resource conservation with regards to water quality, sediment and erosion control, and conservation of natural amenities on development sites in Butler County. An Urban Cooperator must demonstrate the ability to implement alternative best management practices and to make proactive decisions to conserve natural resources.
Lentz has overseen Butler County’s Storm Water District since its inception in 2003. The District’s mission is to safeguard public health and protect the environment through the implementation of the U.S. EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II Program. Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES addresses sources of stormwater discharges that adversely affect the quality of our nation’s waters, thereby reducing pollutants in our local rivers, streams, and lakes.
Lentz’s creativity, willingness to formulate partnerships, and devotion to long term environmental progress have all helped to improve water quality and recreation in the region, according to the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District. Tapping into his innovative side, Lentz was a founding member of and partners with the Regional Stormwater Collaborative for further outreach by way of workshops, TV commercials, billboards, and radio promotions. He also focuses on historical and current water quality data through sponsoring a volunteer water monitoring program, the Butler County Stream Team.
As long time Coordinator of the Storm Water District, Lentz has played a vital role in stormwater education through current and past events, including the Ohio Stormwater Conference, Butler County Children’s Water Festival, Great Miami River Clean Sweep, Rain Barrel Art Auction, Great Miami River Days, and Earth Day.
