STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Definition of Storm Water
Storm water is rainfall or any surface runoff that is discharged through storm drain. Before storm water is discharged through the storm drain, it may pick up debris, dirt, chemicals, or other pollutants as it flows through impervious streets, parking lots, facility yards, or building rooftops. Unlike regular sewer drain systems, any possible storm water contaminants discharged through the storm drain system are untreated and ultimately enters local waterways, such as rivers, lakes, and bays.
Regulatory Background
Nationwide Urban Runoff Program Study between 1978 and 1983 discovered that storm water runoff and non point waste water could have a significant impact on our surface water quality. To address these storm water concerns, EPA established the National Storm Water Program (NSWP) as part of the 1987 Clean Water Act Amendments. In 1990, EPA also adopted the Federal Clean Water Act NPDES permit regulations (40 CFR 122.26) to regulate discharges of potentially polluted storm water through either a NPDES permit or an equivalent state administered regulatory system. The Los Angeles Regional Water Board issues the storm water permit under Clean Water Act. Although new EPA Storm water Phase II rule includes light industries and public universities in the regulated storm water activities, USC has been exempt from the NPDES permit because no significant polluting materials or industrial scales of material/activities are exposed to storm water. However, a large scale of construction activities on campus may require storm water permit through Notice of Intent (NOI) to comply with the NPDES Storm Water Discharge Regulation.
Purpose of Storm Water Management Plan
The purpose of Storm Water Management Plan is to identify potential sources that may affect the quality of storm water discharge and to reduce or eliminate pollutants discharge to storm drain system through the Best management Practices (BMP) implementation and campus sustainability activities.
Possible Pollutant Concern from USC Activities that are managed through Best Management Practices (BMP)
- Parking lot activities – oil and grease, heavy metals, litters
- Grounds Keeping – pesticides, herbicides, fuel, sediments, fertilizers, chloramines
- Construction Activities – concrete, drywall, paint, sediment
- Outdoor Activities – solid waste, litters, organic materials, heavy metals, paint
- Vehicle/Equipment Maintenance – oil/grease, cleaning products, vehicle fluids
- Vehicle and Equipment Washing – cleaning products, oil/grease, vehicle fluids
- Accidental spills and leaks - oil and grease, fuel, chemicals, organic materials, raw sewage
- Outdoor Storage – fuel, solvents, paint, pesticides, sand, soil, petroleum products
Best Management Practices (BMP) Implementation
Although USC has been exempt from the CWA NPDES permit except certain large scales of construction activities, USC has developed and implemented the Best Management Practices (BMP) under the Storm Water Management Plan for all campus activities that may impact the storm water qualities. The BMP have been designed to assist building and facility managers, construction managers, grounds crews and others in reducing or eliminating storm water pollution in their operations. USC BMP must be implemented by outside contractors just as USC employees. The long term goal for the best management practices will be approached as a part of campus sustainability management to prevent pollution and improve water quality. The BMP include not only control measures for site storm water runoff and spills and leaks but also pollution prevention education and outreach programs for employees, public and students. BMP will be updated as appropriate to comply with changes to NPDES permit requirements and to meet significant changes in site designs and activities.