Stormwater

Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Program is a comprehensive, two-phased national program for addressing the non-agricultural sources of stormwater discharges that adversely affect the quality of our nation's waters. The program uses the NPDES permitting mechanism to require the implementation of controls designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into local water bodies.

Stormwater run-off is precipitation that falls to the ground and comes in contact with soils, greases, debris, and other contaminants from areas such as roadways, parking lots, and rooftops.

Stormwater run-off is one of the leading causes of water quality problems. Stormwater carries debris and pollutants directly into our water sources, which can  endanger the lives of humans, animals, and plant life. Managing stormwater run-off helps eliminate and/or reduce these negative impacts.

Stormwater - Natural ground cover

Check out our Stormwater Fact Sheet (PDF) to learn more about stormwater runoff and what you can do to help.

 

For more information, login to Workday Learning or Canvas (students) and register for Spill Control and Stormwater Pollution Prevention. If you need assistance, please contact ehstrain@iastate.edu.

The hotline provides the ISU community a means of reporting stormwater issues and concerns. Callers may remain anonymous and are only required to provide a location and brief description of the issue. All calls are investigated by EH&S personnel in a timely manner.

The Stormwater Hotline publication is available here Stormwater Hotline Poster (PDF).

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit

Examples of ISU Best Management Practices (BMP's)

Publications and Forms

Links

Policy

 

Hotline 515 294 7229