A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), regulates storm water discharged from the campus storm drainage system into nearby Scajaquada Creek. The goal of this program is to eliminate pollutant entry into storm water drainage. Through education, training, practices, procedures, and engineering and structural controls, we strive to minimize the release of pollutants into storm water run-off from the campus.
Help keep our campus attractive by properly disposing of litter, waste, and reporting spills to the Facilities Operations and Key Center at 878-6111.
You may notice the phrase "Only Rain Down The Drain" stenciled around many of the campus storm water run-off catch basins. A separate storm water drainage collection system conveys storm water run-off from campus grounds and buildings directly to Scajaquada Creek. Scajaquada Creek, which receives untreated storm water discharges from many properties and entities along its watershed, is listed by the NYSDEC as an "impaired" water for oxygen demanding pollutants, floatables, phosphorus, and pathogens.
Disposal or discharge of materials or waste into campus storm drains is prohibited. With few exceptions, only storm water run-off is permitted in the campus storm drains.
The campus storm water program includes implementation of six (6) minimum measures specified by the MS4 permit:
* Public Education and Outreach;
* Public Participation;
* Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination;
* Construction Site Run-off Management;
* Post Construction Stormwater Management; and
* Operations and Maintenance Pollution Prevention and Housekeeping.
