(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 15, 2010) - The Board of Commissioners today recognized Water Resources' Stormwater Division for earning the Phase I - Stormwater Program of the Year Award from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. The statewide award is given to organizations that comply with federal and state stormwater rules and are committed to improving water quality and physical impacts to their community as demonstrated through stormwater program staffing, funding and implementation.

Gwinnett's stormwater program is funded by the stormwater utility fees assessed to each parcel based on the square footage of impervious surface the parcel contains. Impervious surfaces prohibit rain water infiltration and the increased runoff carries pollutants into the streams. 

Board Chairman Charles Bannister said, "I am pleased that our stormwater program is a leader in the state. Our staff has done a great job maintaining our stormwater infrastructure and protecting our streams and I encourage our residents to do their part as well to protect our streams from pollutants."

"Water Resources is committed to being a leader in stormwater management by implementing a comprehensive program that includes public education, infrastructure inventory and maintenance and 100-year floodplain delineation and control. We are working hard to get all of our streams in compliance with the state's water quality standards," said Lynn Smarr, Acting Water Resources Department Director.

For more information about the stormwater management in Gwinnett County, visit www.gwinnettstormwater.com.