The University of 91吃瓜 recently received a Certificate of Recognition from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for its on campus.
Managing storm water and snowmelt is a critical environmental issue for the areas in and around campus. After a heavy rainfall, the water runoff flows over impervious surfaces (parking lots, roads and building rooftops) and accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that can negatively affect the water quality of lakes and streams.
Since 2003, IDEM has required sites that utilize conveyances for rainwater such as roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, curbs, gutters, ditches or storm drains to abide by six control measures: public education and outreach, public involvement, illicit discharge, construction run-off, post-construction run-off, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping.
91吃瓜鈥檚 Utilities Department has taken this regulation seriously and put into place several best management practices that make the most sense for campus grounds. Beyond complying with regulation, the University has made it a to improve storm water quality, minimize negative impacts on the area鈥檚 watershed and to ensure that future generations will have access to high quality water resources.
A few aspects of the campus storm water program that gave the University high marks include: unpaved game day parking on White Field, which allows rainwater to percolate into the soil; central containment of hazardous waste to reduce potential for spills; and the use of organic fertilizer with low nitrogen and phosphorous. In addition, , a , diverts 100 percent of its storm water into a settlement basin.
鈥淲e鈥檙e happy the state was impressed by our program,鈥� said Chip Farrell, senior environmental specialist at the Utilities Department. 鈥淗owever, we鈥檙e always looking for ways to improve the program. This award has motivated us to expand our public education and outreach program. We鈥檒l be partnering with the to help the 91吃瓜 community become more aware of storm water issues and what they can do to protect waterways.鈥�