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Storm Water Rule 13

The University of Notre Dame campus is experiencing considerable growth and development.  As the University grows, natural vegetation is removed during construction and covered by buildings, concrete and asphalt.   Rainfall or snow melt during and after the construction phases runs off through ditches, culverts, catch basins and storm sewers instead of being slowly absorbed into the surrounding ground cover.  The rain or snow runoff picks up natural sediment and man-made litter on its way to our streams and lakes.  For this reason the University has implemented various policy and procedures in order to minimize potential impact of storm water runoff on the environment.  These Minimum Control Measures include Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation and Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control (Rule 5), Post Construction Storm Water Runoff Control (Rule 5), and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping.

Applicability

Stormwater Rule 13 applies to the portions of an urban federal, state, municipal, county, public or private entity storm water conveyance system that are not combined with sewage conveyances.  Rule 13 conveyance systems include; roads with drains, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, storm drains, piping, channels, ditches, tunnels and conduits.

Minimum Control Measures

Those measures required to achieve a minimum level of control of stormwater runoff.  These measures are divided into six specific categories as follows:

1. Public Education and Outreach

In order to focus increased awareness on the harmful effects of polluted stormwater runoff and it's potential to effect the water quality of the receiving streams.  The University has the following Minimum Control Measures (MCM).

2. Public Participation and Involvement

In order to focus on providing opportunities to the University community to play an active role in both development and implementation of the following MCMs.

  • Storm Drain Stenciling (write a description of plan)
  • Lake Monitoring is performed on an annual basis by Biology students as part of the departments curriculum.

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

In order to focus on the identification and elimination of improper connections to the Universities storm sewer system the University is implementing the following MCMs.

  • Illicit Discharge Policy
  • Storm Sewer Mapping, the Utilities Department maintains accurate and up-to-date maps and information relative to the University’s Storm Water Sewer System.  Such documents are available for review by interested parties upon request and University approval.
  • Illegal Dumping: University employees in general, as well as specific departments, are instructed to monitor and prevent illegal dumping on University property.

4. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control (Rule 5)

In order to focus on the control of stormwater runoff from construction sites the University is implementing Rule 5 and various associated policy and procedures.

Applicability: This general permit rule applies to construction activities that result in the disturbance of one (1) or more acres of land.  By definition in the rule, “land disturbing activity means any manmade change of the land surface, including removing vegetative cover that exposes the underlying soil, excavating, filling, transporting, and grading.”  If a developer or project site owner conducts a land disturbing activity that disturbs one (1) or more acres of land, the project site owner must apply for coverage under a Rule 5 general storm water permit. For more information or the review the Universities see the following:

5. Post Construction Storm Water Runoff Control (Rule 5)

In order to focus on reducing pollutant loading directed to receiving streams from new developement and redevelopement areas the University is implementing the following MCMs..

  • University of Notre Dame Post Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Policy (link to policy)
  • Planning and Development: The University has a long history of planning and development tenets that are applied in all new development.  Details may be found by consulting a copy of the Campus Plan, which may be made available by contacting the University Architect's Office. (link to OUA web page)
  • Urban Forestry: The University has procedures in place to protect, preserve and enhance where possible campus forestry.
    • In order to proctect valuable natural resources, tree removal requires administrative approval: Tree Removal Form
    • For further information on the Universities Forestry see: Landscape Services

6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

In order to focus on pollution prevention and good housekeeping at University facilities the University is in the process of implementing the following MCMs.  Links will become available upon completion.

  • Road Salt/Deicing Application Practices
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Storm Drains and Catch Basin Cleaning:  The University on an as needed basis inspects, cleans and properly disposes of debris from storm drains and catch basins on campus.
  • Flood Management Projects: As part of the overall planning effort of the University steps are taken to ensure proper Storm Water Protection Devices and practices are implemented.
  • Lawn Care and Pesticide Program
  • Litter and Debris Control Program
  • Road/Parking Lot maintenance and cleaning procedures
  • Hazardous Materials Management Plan
  • Wellhead Protection Program

 

Utilities Department
100 Facilities Building , Notre Dame, IN 46556-5602
Phone: 574-631-6594 • Email: utildept@nd.edu