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Center for Earth and Environmental
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IUPUI
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IUPUI Campus Storm Drain Marking Program The Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) is partnering with Campus Facility Services (CFS) to locate and mark storm drains on the IUPUI campus which feed directly into White River and Fall Creek. This will be a multi-year partnership in which CEES will mark campus storm drains with the Environmental Service Learning Program. The storm drain marking project is part of IUPUI's compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program authorized by the Clean Water Act. Cylindrical disks will be adhered to storm drains with the message in English and Spanish "Don't Pollute, Flows to Waterways" to promote storm water and water quality awareness. The materials and contaminants that flow or are dumped into storm drains deposit directly into rivers, streams, and lakes. The goal of the storm drain markers will be to discourage the dumping of materials down storm drains to prevent pollution and improve water quality of Indianapolis water bodies. Benefits from Marking Storm Drains According to the Environmental Protection Agency, storm water runoff is the most common source of water pollution. Marking storm drains provides a way to heighten public awareness about the relationship between water quality and storm drainage systems. By raising public awareness of urban runoff, storm drain marking programs should discourage practices that generate non-point source pollutants as well such as dumping waste and chemicals down storm drains. Non-point source pollution is caused by sources such as soil running off of the land from construction, fertilizer runoff from lawns and farm fields, failing septic systems and cars leaking oil. Citizens, land planners, and elected officials can all work together to make our water cleaner through master planning and zoning ordinances that protect our natural resources. Residents are an integral part of the watershed and what you do in your backyard makes a difference. Here are some examples of what you can do at home:
•Reduce
impervious surfaces by using pavers or bricks rather than concrete
for a driveway or sidewalk. Background Information - NPDES Permit Program
Phase II Stormwater Policy
Compliance The Small MS4 Stormwater Program maintains that operators, such as IUPUI, must follow five lines of action:
The Stormwater Management Program developed by each MS4 must include these aspects:
Storm Drain Marking Procedures Basic Materials Standard Procedure 1. Decide on location of marker, which requires the following:
2. Scrub surface with wire brush to clean it. The remaining debris should be wiped or brushed away and disposed of in trash bag. 3. Apply adhesive to the marker, starting from the outside and working toward the inside. 4. Slowly place marker on the cleaned area, pressing or stepping hard to ensure that the adhesive covers the entire edge. Take care to ensure that the marker does not slide on the surface. 5. Wipe away excess adhesive if necessary. 6. Mark location on map / log sheet and / or with a Global Positioning System (GPS) devise. Important Considerations
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Links: Nonpoint Source Pollution Indiana Department of
Environmental Management Nonpoint Source Water Pollution United States
Environmental Protection Agency Nonpoint Source Pollution NPDES Background NPDES
homepage
NPDES Stormwater Program Phase II
NPDES Public Education and Outreach Phase II Stormwater
Program Storm Water Background
Before the Storm: Video of Storm Drain Marking and Storm Water
Information Storm Drain Marking Manufacturers Das Manufacturing Storm Drain Marking Programs
Indiana Storm Drain Marking Program Watersheds "After the Storm" -
Watershed Program
Surf Your Watershed Center for Earth and Environmental
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