Stormwater Information
Stormwater Management: Only Rain Down the Drain
What is stormwater pollution?
When rain hits the ground or when snow starts to melt, this stormwater running across paved surfaces comes in contact with all sorts of trash (think paper napkins, pet waste, and other substances improperly disposed of). The stormwater flows into the campus storm drains and to nearby bodies of water, carrying trash and pollutants with it. This can contribute to all sorts of problems such as flooding, erosion, and water quality issues.
How is the University managing this?
We’ve got a plan! Take a look at our Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) and feel free to provide any feedback for improvement. This plan addresses stormwater regulations, operations, and maintenance, and follows guidelines prepared by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The University has also adopted various practices to reduce stormwater pollution. These include annual parking lot sweeping, catch basin cleaning, training of facilities personnel, and utilizing Low Impact Development approaches in new projects on campus that might generate stormwater.
What should you do to help?
Helping to prevent stormwater pollution is simple! Just keep these words in mind: “Only rain down the drain.” Here are some tips:
- Never pour chemicals (e.g. soap, antifreeze, etc.) on the ground, paved areas, or into storm drains.
- Properly dispose of all solid waste, trash, and recyclable materials in designated and covered dumpsters and bins.
- Keep your car regularly tuned up to prevent fluids from leaking onto the ground.
- Pick up and properly dispose your pet’s waste.
Let us know if you see any problems, such as a clogged storm drain or excessive litter around a drain. Report any issues or incidents to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety by emailing umbehs@umb.edu or calling 617.287.5445.