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.
Oxygen Demand/Low Dissolved Oxygen can be caused by chemicals or decaying organic matter, such as raw sewage, which need oxygen to breakdown or oxidize to a more stable state. Chemicals and organic materials readily scavenge or strip dissolved oxygen normally present in water. Aquatic organisms, such as fish, need dissolved oxygen in the water to survive.
Pathogens include bacteria, which can cause sickness or disease outbreaks in wildlife, aquatic organisms, and humans if ingested. Raw sewage and decaying organic matter are often sources of pathogens.
Floatables include grease and other solids capable of creating a floating film over the water. Floatables can contain pathogens, pesticides, and concentrated metals, which can be harmful to fish and wildlife that rely on the creek for survival.
Phosphorus is a substance used in fertilizers and other chemicals and can cause excessive algae growth, which can block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels needed for aquatic organisms to survive.
Help keep our campus attractive by properly disposing of litter, waste, and reporting spills to the Facilities Operations and Key Center at 878-6111. 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. Additional sources to the storm drains that are generally authorized include condensate sources (air conditioners), potable water sources, uncontaminated groundwater sources (foundation drains and basement sumps), irrigation water, pavement wash waters where no detergents are used, and fire fighting activity sources.
Authorization requests or other inquiries regarding non-storm water disposal should be directed to the EH&S Office at (716) 878-6136.
For accidental material or waste spills, excessive litter, or other storm water pollution incidents contact Facilities Operations and Key Center at 878-6111, who will dispatch clean up assistance. To report illegal dumping activity, notify University Police at 878-6333.
Key ingredients for an effective storm water pollution prevention (SWP2) and control program include active implementation of good housekeeping, education and outreach, spill notification, control, and prevention measures. Written policies and procedures for spill prevention and response, SWP2, including litter and illicit discharge prohibitions for the campus are viewable on the EH&S Policies and Procedures by Clicking here
Environmental Health and Safety
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