Stormwater Management

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is managing the UA response to the stormwater regulations.  EHS will provide the program flexibility required for the University to respond to future needs regarding stormwater requirements.

 For questions, concerns, or to report potential stormwater violations, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at the numbers listed below or email ehs@bama.ua.edu.

  

Environmental Health and Safety

15 Research Drive

Box 870178

Tuscaloosa, AL  35487-0178

Phone: 205-348-5905

Fax: 205-348-7773

 

 

Regulatory History of Stormwater Management

 On December 8, 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Final Rule.  This rule requires certain small municipalities to obtain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES Permit.

 

On March 10, 2003, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) issued a State General NPDES Permit for small MS4 operators.  Municipalities were required to file an application for a Phase II Stormwater Permit.  Covered under this program are entities such as hospital complexes, military bases, and educational institutions, which are similar to small MS4’s and are located within an urbanized area.

 

The University of Alabama meets the definition as an operator of a regulated small MS4.  As such, we are required to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) and pay the specified fees to be covered under the State General Permit.

 

 

The UA Response

In response to the stormwater management requirements, the University of Alabama completed and filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with ADEM in 2003.  UA is regulated as a small MS4 separate from the City of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County.  However, the University has forged an alliance with city representatives in regards to stormwater management.  This level of cooperation will result in cleaner waters and an increased level of environmental awareness in this area.

 

UA Permit Requirements

Under the Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by the University with the state, certain control measures are necessary to satisfy requirements.  A general summary of each follows:

 

Public Education and Outreach

• Brochures, fact sheets, advertisements, and other educational materials will be developed and distributed.

• The campus community will be encouraged to report potential violations to EHS.

 

Public Involvement

• Hold public meetings to discuss the Stormwater Management Plan (SMP).

• Form a campus based committee to provide input and guidance.

 

Illicit Discharges

• Develop a storm system sewer map.

• Identify illicit connections to storm sewer system.

• Develop enforcement provisions.

• Implement a detection and elimination plan.

 

Pollution Prevention

• Provide training regarding good housekeeping measures.

• Annual review of the Stormwater Management Plan (SMP).

 

Construction Sites

• Develop provisions consistent with local construction requirements.

 

How Can You Help?

• Get involved.

• When public meetings are held, attend.

• Voice your concerns.

• Support the goals and objectives of the University of Alabama Stormwater Management Program.

 

 

A Guide To Understanding Your Impact on Stormwater Management

As an individual, it may be difficult to understand how you can impact stormwater management.  The amount of pollution that you prevent may seem small, but together it all adds up to cleaner water for everyone.

Stormwater runoff is the rain and melting precipitation that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns and farmland. The flowing water carries salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, oil, litter and many other pollutants into nearby waterways. In developed areas much of the land is covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Storm sewers are used to carry the large amounts of runoff to nearby waterways. Storm sewers are simply pipes laid underground. Inlets and drains located along curbs and in parking areas collect the runoff, which then flows to nearby lakes or rivers. Storm sewer water does not go into a sewage treatment plant, it flows directly into local waterways.  Sediment and other common pollutants such as oil, gasoline, antifreeze, chemicals used on lawns and gardens, litter, animal wastes, etc are carried by water runoff directly into the nearest body of water.

 

Ways to Limit Stormwater Pollution

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and only as directed.

• Compost or mulch yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves.

• Use organic mulch.

• Direct roof water to lawns or gardens.

• Keep all areas clear of litter and debris

Construction

• Install silt fences and other sediment/erosion controls.

• Minimize disturbed areas during construction.

• Seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.

• Direct stormwater away from the construction site.

Auto Care 

• Use a commercial car wash that treats its wastewater or wash your vehicle in a yard.

• Dispose of used fluids and batteries at designated recycling facilities.

• Clean up fluid spills immediately.

• Properly maintain vehicles to prevent oil, gas, and other fluids from being washed into the storm sewer system.

 

The Goals of Stormwater Programs are to:

• Slow down water, decreasing its ability to cause erosion and carry pollutants.

• Reduce the amount of runoff by encouraging water to soak into the ground.

• Prevent pollution by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, controlling erosion, and by covering outdoor storage piles.

• Remove pollutants by routing runoff through settling ponds, grass filter strips or other treatment devices.