Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT)

Regional stormwater protection team, brown, green, blue wave illustrations.

The Regional Stormwater Protection Team’s mission is to protect and enhance the region's shared water resources through stormwater pollution prevention by providing coordinated educational programs and technical assistance. RSPT's goals are to foster stormwater pollution prevention as the preferred environmental protection strategy within local and state agencies and to support similar efforts in the private sector.

For more information about this project contact the program staff listed below.

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What is RSPT?

The Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT) is a collaboration among local Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), partnering agencies and organizations. Only certain MS4s are subject to stormwater regulation under the Clean Water Act based on population density, amount of impervious surface, and the waterbodies that receive the municipality’s stormwater. RSPT is made up of voting (MS4) and non-voting (non-MS4) communities.

Project description

The Regional Stormwater Protection Team’s mission is to protect and enhance the region's shared water resources through stormwater pollution prevention by providing coordinated educational programs and technical assistance. The goals of this initiative are to foster stormwater pollution prevention as the preferred environmental protection strategy within local and state agencies and to support and promote similar efforts within the private sector.

Why Minnesota Sea Grant?

Minnesota Sea Grant's participation and leadership in the Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT) supports Sea Grant's mission to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine and Great Lakes resources in order to create a sustainable economy and environment.

What have we done lately?

In 2021, RSPT launched PFU Poop Fairy University. At PFU, you'll learn a poop-ton more about stormwater, and how easy it is to protect our water from a variety of pollution at home, and in our communities. You can learn tips and tricks to reduce stormwater pollution that will save you time and money too. Whether you're a homeowner, student, or just want to learn how you can protect your favorite lakes, streams, and fishing holes, PFU is open to all

In 2021, RSPT's Poop Fairy video was voted best TV commercial in the Northland Reader's "Best of the Northland" competition.

In 2020, the Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT) developed a SaltSmart sticker designed to help people keep walkways safe and waterways clean by showing how much salt to sprinkle on ice-prone surfaces.

Round graphic of sidewalk with salt and boot tread prints and the words salt smart scatter with three inches between grains
RSPT Smart Salt sticker

In late 2019, RSPT developed a Poop Fairy public service video to encourage people to pick up after their pets.

Flyer with cartoon poop pile and winged fairy holding a pet poop bag with the text "There is no such thing as "the poop fairy." Please keep our shoes, trails, and waterways clean. Clean up after your dog!

Participants & audience

The Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT) is a collaboration among local Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), partnering agencies and organizations to better serve their constituencies. Only certain MS4s are subject to stormwater regulation under the Clean Water Act based on population density, amount of impervious surface, and the waterbodies that receive the municipality’s stormwater. RSPT is made up of voting (MS4) and non-voting (non-MS4) communities.

Funding

Program Staff

Jesse Schomberg headshot

Jesse Schomberg

Coastal Communities and Land Use Planning Extension Educator, Program Leader, Associate Director of Outreach
Portrait of woman with short brown hair

Tiffany Sprague

Stormwater Resilience Extension Educator

Partners

  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, State/Local Government
  • Canosia Township, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Cloquet, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Duluth, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Hermantown, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Proctor, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Rice Lake, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • City of Superior, Wisconsin, State/Local Government
  • Duluth Township, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • Lake Superior College, Academic Institution (College and University)
  • Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, Federal Government
  • Midway Township, Minnesota, State/Local Government
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Superior Coastal Program, State/Local Government
  • Minnesota Department of Transportation, State/Local Government
  • St. Louis County, Minnesota, South St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District, State/Local Government
  • St. Louis County, Minnesota, Public Works Department, State/Local Government
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute, Academic Institution (College and University)
  • Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), State/Local Government
  • St. Louis River Alliance, NGO
  • The Village of Oliver, Wisconsin, State/Local Government
  • The Village of Superior, Wisconsin, State/Local Government
  • University of Wisconsin, Superior, Lake Superior Research Institute, Academic Institution (College and University)
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth, Office of Sustainability, Academic Institution (College and University)
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth, Facilities Management, Academic Institution (College and University)