(PIC) Protocol Manual - Kitsap Public Health District

Kitsap Public Health District
Pollution Source Identification and Correction: Protocol Manual
Public Notification & Information
Public notification is key to informing and engaging Kitsap County residents about PIC projects. After
the office evaluation, initial project area visit, and water quality evaluation are complete, the public
within the PIC boundary will be is notified of Kitsap Public Health's intent to conduct a PIC project.
Public notification is accomplished using the following resources and/or methods: hosting public
meetings, press releases, direct mailings to households, door hangers, project fact sheets, articles in
local news media and/or publications. The information presented should be direct, concise, and
complete.
It should contain the following items:
• Why and where the PIC project is being conducted;
• Applicable water quality results;
• Who is doing the PIC project, and by what authority;
• How and when the PIC project be conducted;
• Possible sources of fecal pollution;
• Who to contact for answers to questions.
Developing the format and content of PIC project information and the choice of how to distribute the
information to the public is made in consultation with the Field Supervisor or Program Manager.
Specific information regarding public notification will also be found in a project’s QAPP (if applicable),
e.g. the number of public meetings, workshops, development of Fact Sheets etc.
Examples of a Press Release and a fact sheet, are found in Appendix C. These are also kept
electronically and accessible to staff in the PIC Common directory. Typically these documents are
organized in folders based on project areas.
All press releases must comply with Kitsap Public Health’s press release policy, and must be approved by
the Program manager or Field supervisor and the Public Information Officer prior to dissemination.
A short informational fact sheet about area water quality is an effective way to introduce and provide
information to area residents about the project. It is recommended that a health educator review the
flyer for optimal effectiveness. Submit to field supervisor or program manager for approval.
Public Meetings and/or OSS Workshops
Public meetings are held to launch a new project, provide an update on an existing project, and/or host
an OSS Onsite Sewage System workshop.
The public meeting is held at a convenient and comfortable location as close as possible to the project
area. The elements of the public meeting include a short presentation about the FC pollution problem,
project information such as water quality data, the goals and objectives for the project, etc. Sufficient
time should be allotted to enable the public to ask questions. Invite project partners, e.g. Kitsap
Conservation District, Department of Ecology (Ecology), Department of Health, Environmental
Protection Agency, Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management. Identify community groups in
the project area to determine and address local concerns. It may be useful to hold your public meeting
Revised 04/23/2013 8