CSU’s Oxbow Meadows Launches Sustainability Lecture Series

February 21, 2014

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus State University’s Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center will host the first in a series of lectures focusing on sustainability, starting with an upcoming look at Columbus’ system for treating waste water.

John Peebles, senior vice president of Water Resource Operations for Columbus Water Works, will speak on “The History of the Combined Sewer Overflow System” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the center, 3535 S. Lumpkin Road.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

“Our hope is that this lecture will turn into a lecture series and evolve into a long-term venture with community partners so that our understanding of sustainability is enhanced,” said Michael W. Dentzau, Oxbow Meadows’ executive director.

Combined Sewer Overflow refers to a method of handling waste water during heavy rainfall to reduce the chances that a combination of rainwater and sewage exceeds the capacity of the local treatment facility and results in a combined overflow into the Chattahoochee River.

The purpose of the lecture series is to develop a shared understanding of sustainability through community partnership, Dentzau said.

“Oxbow is hoping to facilitate constructive debate from diverse community organizations, groups and individuals” he said. “Therefore, Oxbow needs input from anyone and everyone willing to work toward a common goal. If we are not on the same page, we cannot make progress."

Oxbow Meadows opened in 1995 as a collaboration of CSU, Columbus Water Works and the City of Columbus. The center, near the National Infantry Museum, features exhibits, displays and nature trails, as well as formal and informal programs related to ecology and the region’s natural history. CSU staff, faculty, student assistants and volunteers often offer interpretive and hands-on programs.

For more on Oxbow Meadows, visit http://ColumbusState.edu/oxbow.

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