Storm Water Pollution Prevention General Information February 2015

Storm Water Pollution Prevention for College, Work and Home What is Storm Water Runoff? In open fields, forest and wetlands, most rain is absorbed by the soil and is taken up by grasses, plants and trees. In developed areas, rain and snow that falls on impermeable roofs, parking lots, streets, and driveways is not absorbed. This precipitation (called storm water or storm water runoff) enters local storm sewer systems and end up in our streams and lakes. It is usually not sent to sanitary treatment plants.

What is Storm Water Pollution? According to the U. S. EPA National Water Quality Inventory, polluted storm water is a leading cause of problems with U.S. water bodies that do not meet water quality standards-almost 40% of these bodies of water surveyed. The discharge can kill fish, wildlife and aquatic life habitats; lessen the aesthetic value of these bodies of water and threaten public health through contamination. Unlike pollution from sewage treatment plants, storm water pollution can come from many sources. Storm water runoff can dissolve, pick up and transport many types of commercial or household products that cause this pollution. Automotive waste, lawn chemicals, paints, pet waste and eroded soil are just a few types of pollutants. Litter can also create pollution as well.

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Tips-What Can We All Do?   

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Never allow any chemicals, yard waste or other materials to be washed into or down storm drains. These drains are usually not connected to a municipal sanitary sewer system and therefore go untreated directly into local streams, rivers or lakes. Keep storm drains by your house clear of debris. If you must buy an item that is potentially hazardous, buy only the absolute minimum quantity you need and follow the instructions for proper use, storage and disposal. Save unused material for local hazardous materials recycling/collection events. If you need more information contact your local solid waste management officials. For district contact information see the Ohio EPA Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/dsiwm/or call (614 644 2621) Use covered garbage cans for trash and recycle whenever possible. Improperly disposed trash or litter may be carried into the storm sewers. Don’t allow roof gutters to drain directly into the street or storm sewer. Allow them to drain over your lawn instead. Pick up after immediately and properly dispose of pet waste. Get your friends and neighbors together to adopt a stream or perform another water quality project in your community or on the LCCC campus. Always report leaks, spills or illegal discharges to the proper authorities. On the LCCC campus, contact Campus Security at 440 366 4053 or Physical Plant Services at 440 366 4017.

Automobile Maintenance: 

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Auto fluid leaks or spills from maintenance are another source of water pollution. Each year Americans dump enough used oil in landfills to equal almost 13 oil spills the size of the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. Even more oil is disposed of illegally. Never put used oil or chemicals down storm drains. Did you know that one quart of oil can contaminate almost two million gallons of drinking water! Always clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze with kitty litter or other absorbent material and dispose of properly. Do not hose them into the street where the can run into streams and lakes. (Remember antifreeze is toxic to pets). If you cannot have you car’s oil, transmission, brake fluid or antifreeze changed a commercial garage, be sure to carefully collect all materials in a proper container with a tight sealing cap and dispose of at a recycling center including any used filters. Call the Ohio Environment Hotline at 1-800 CLEANUP for the nearest collection center or contact your local solid waste management district. Wash your car only when necessary; use a bucket to save water. Wash your car on a grassy area so the ground can filter the water or go to a commercial car wash that uses water efficiently and disposes of waste water properly.

Painting:    

Do not allow liquid paint materials and waste to drain into a gutter, street or storm drain. Follow directions on the can for clean-up and disposal. Always choose water-based paint or stains. Save unused paints or stains and dispose of properly such a community hazardous waste collection event.

Lawn Maintenance and Gardening: 

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Minimize the need for pesticides or other chemicals by choosing plant species that are resistant to insects, disease or animals (deer). Landscaping with native or naturalized plants work best. Provide habitat for birds, bats, toads and other animals that prey on insects or other pests. Don’t over apply lawn or gardening chemicals. Follow label instructions. Consider natural type products. Don’t over water your lawn or garden. This can cause run off of chemical or fertilizers into the storm water stream. And not only do you pay for the excessive water used but also for the sewer fee as well. Use slow watering techniques such as trickle systems or soaker hoses. Set your mowing height at 3 inches high. Most grasses will be healthier at this height. Compost leaves, grass clippings and yard waste. Use a mulching mower-it’s free fertilizer. Control soil erosion on your property. Fine materials end up in the storm water run-off.

What has Lorain County Community College Done to Prevent or Minimize Storm Water Pollution? Storm water controls in place or under development at the Elyria Campus:  All new construction projects done with required SWPPP permits and controls (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan)  Culinary Art Building – installed underground sediment, sand filter and storm water detention system  DEC/EIC Building – installed storm water detention basin  SMART Building– installed bio-swales, underground storm water detention system  Lab Science Building – installed large bio-swale  UCRC installed major permeable paving, 15 bio swales, rain garden and storm water retention  Overall Campus – major storm water detention basin – under drainage  Annual Storm water control measures inspections underway  Addition of College Center fire road with permeable (geo-pavers) paving  Expansion of Spitzer parking lot 4 done with permeable concrete paving  Expansion of UC parking lot 5 done with permeable concrete paving  New SMART campus connector installed bio Swales and renovated catch basins and drainage lines reduce flooding. Work        

Completed: Storm Water Management Plan Contractor Procedures Construction Procedures Illicit Discharge Procedures Best Management Practices (BMP’s) A brief, general educational overview for students and staff Implementation of BMP’s, north loop road drainage ditch clean out – soon Complete Illicit Discharge Inspections for older LCCC facilities (checking for sanitary discharges to storm sewers)

To be done:  Conduct a storm water management workshop spring of 2015  Develop further stewardship activities

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Educational opportunities relating to storm water in place: BIOG 164 BIOG 165 SAGR 101, 102 AND 103 SAGR 104G SAGR 106 SAGR 110 AND 111

Source: Ohio E.P.A. Office of Pollution Prevention and Division of Surface Water Brochure For more information contact: The Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water’s Storm Water Program (614 644 2001) or www.epa.state.oh/dsw The Ohio EPA Office of Pollution Prevention (614 644 3469) or www.epa.state.oh.us/opp