FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2007

Walhalla Eagle Scout candidate named Champion of the Environment

COLUMBIA – Seth Mangan of Walhalla has been named a Champion of the Environment for his storm drain action Eagle Scout project, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

“With assistance from Friends of Lake Keowee Society and Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Seth is organizing volunteers from his Boy Scout troop and the community to protect water quality in Cane Creek and Lake Keowee,” said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for Champions of the Environment.

“Marking storm drains with the message ‘Don’t Dump – Drains to Creek’ is a great way to inform the public about the storm drain-to-waterway connection,” LaSalle said. “After seeing these signs, people can change behaviors that allow pollutants to enter storm drains and South Carolina’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters.”

LaSalle said Mangan will receive $500 to use for his project. The money will fund the purchase of stenciling supplies and provide educational materials for residents in the project area. Mangan plans to expand the project to other streams that flow into Lake Keowee.

In addition to the $500 grant, Mangan and his volunteers will receive Champions’ giveaway items and a commercial will be made about the project to air on WIS-TV in Columbia.

Champions of the Environment is celebrating its 15th year of rewarding environmental action and awareness in South Carolina’s kindergarten through 12th grade students. Champions is sponsored by International Paper, Eastman Chemical Company, WIS-TV and DHEC. Ten grants are awarded during the school year over two grant cycles. Applications for Champions’ next round of grants are due January 15.

For more information, or to apply, visit the Champions’ Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/champions, or call LaSalle at (803) 898-4394.

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For more information:
Lynne LaSalle – (803) 898-4394
E-mail – lasallli@dhec.sc.gov
or
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov

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