- What is stormwater?
- Stormwater is any precipitation that falls during a storm event. Complications arise when this runoff collects oils, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and other debris as it travels along engineered and natural conveyances, eventually ending up in waters of the state. This addition of polluted water to streams has detrimental effects on the flora and fauna associated with them; not to mention our enjoyment of the serene beauty a stream ecosystem provides.
- What is stormwater protection?
- Stormwater protection is a program to prevent pollution of water resources by stormwater runoff. It is a subset of the NPDES program that addresses contamination from point and non-point sources carried to surface waters by stormwater runoff mainly through storm drains or across impervious surfaces. Permits are issued and must be abided based on best management practices for controlling contamination. At IU, sources of contamination that can be picked up by storm runoff include construction activities, facilities maintenance, accidental spills, and potentially illegal dumping. IU has developed a management program to address these sources of contamination.
- How does IU work with the surrounding community to prevent stormwater pollution?
IU partners with State and Local agencies and community groups to implement best management practices, pollution mitigation efforts, and education programs.
- What is the difference between a storm drain and a sanitary sewer drain?
- Water that enters a storm drain is routed directly into area waterways. Water that enters a sanitary sewer drain is routed to the local wastewater treatment facility for treatment prior to being released to area waterways.
