It is the policy of the University of Southern Indiana (USI) to prohibit illicit discharges into the campus stormwater conveyance system, and to prohibit illegal dumping of trash on campus property, to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (MS4GP), which are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Program, and the requirements of Vanderburgh County Ordinance 09-24-008, Chapter 13.06, Illicit Discharge into the Stormwater Collection System.
A. Prohibited Discharges and Connections
The university prohibits the discharge of any substance, other than stormwater and exempted discharges in Section B of this policy, into waterways or any component of the university’s stormwater conveyance system, such as paved areas, storm drains, and roadside ditches.
Prohibited discharges into the university’s stormwater conveyance system include, but are not limited to, the following pollutants: concrete and other cementitious wash water; paint and drywall mud wash water; mud, sediment, and other debris tracked out onto roadways; excess paint, laboratory chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides; and fuels, oils, and other pollutants used in vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance.
The university prohibits the illegal dumping of trash throughout university property. All trash must be placed in an appropriate trash receptacle or dumpster provided for this purpose. Individuals disposing of trash into a dumpster or other trash receptacle are responsible for ensuring they do not cause the receptacle to become overfull or leak leachate, or create windblown debris.
Concrete washout material shall be properly contained within an appropriate practice and include proper disposal of all waste materials and liquids. Cementitious wash water must be directed into a leakproof container or containment area. The washout area must be located at least 50 feet from storm drains and waterways and the washout location must be clearly posted. When a containment reaches 75 percent capacity, or according to containment fill level requirements, the containment must be closed, and additional containments installed prior to creating additional cementitious wash water.
Roadways open to traffic must be kept cleared of accumulated sediment resulting from runoff or track out from construction sites or facility operations. Sediment discharged or tracked out onto roadways open to traffic must be removed by the end of the same day at minimum. Cleared sediment must be redistributed or disposed of in manner that is in accordance with all applicable regulations.
The university is authorized to require dischargers to implement pollution prevention measures, utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) necessary to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants into the university’s stormwater drainage system.
B. Exempted Discharges and Connections
Notwithstanding other requirements in this policy, stormwater comingled with other discharges either regulated by other NPDES permits or determined by the university to not be a significant source of pollutants, including the following, are exempt from the requirements of this policy:
- Water line and hydrant flushing for maintenance
- Irrigation water
- Footing, foundation, and crawl space drains (uncontaminated)
- Excess storm sewer cleaning water not collected by a vacuum truck (uncontaminated)
- Fire suppression activities
- Uncontaminated pumped groundwater
- Springs
- Residential car washing
- Non-commercial car washing by community organizations
- External building washdown, without detergents
- Dechlorinated/debrominated residential swimming pool discharges
- Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20))
- Pavement wash waters provided spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spill material has been removed) and where detergents are not used
- Uncontaminated condensate from air conditioning units, coolers, and other compressors, and from outside storage of refrigerated gases or liquids
C. Storage of Hazardous or Toxic Material
Storage or stockpiling of hazardous or toxic material within any watercourse, or in its associated floodway or floodplain, is strictly prohibited. Storage or stockpiling of hazardous or toxic material on active construction sites shall include adequate protection and/or containment so as to prevent any such materials from entering any temporary or permanent stormwater conveyance or watercourse. Proper disposal of hazardous or toxic waste material must be completed in accordance with all applicable regulations.
D. Spill Reporting
Any discharger who accidentally discharges any substance other than stormwater or an exempted discharge into a waterbody or the university storm system shall immediately inform the university. Prohibited discharges, including those from accidental spills and leaks, which are known to have entered the university’s storm system or a waterbody, must be reported to USI Public Safety and the USI Environmental Health and Safety Manager immediately. The USI Environmental Health and Safety Manager should immediately notify IDEM of any reportable spills, as defined by 327 IAC 2-6.1 (Spill Rule) by way of exclusions, through the IDEM Emergency Spill Line (1-888-233-7745). The Environmental Health and Safety Manager shall maintain appropriate written records of all reportable spill incidents.
E. Enforcement
The university expects the cooperation and commitment of all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors in maintaining clean stormwater discharges. Students and other campus constituents are responsible for their own behavior and are expected to adhere the university policy regarding illicit discharges and illegal dumping. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action and subject the person to the penalties provided for in the Vanderburgh County Ordinance 09-24-008, Chapter 13.06, Illicit Discharge into the Stormwater Collection System. As appropriate, Public Safety and/or the Environmental Health and Safety Manager will report violations to the appropriate Vanderburgh County authorities.