Prevention: NPDES Permit
In 1990, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to address stormwater runoff from municipalities. This legislation, under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, began to regulate non-point source pollution in areas where municipal stormwater sewer systems were separate from sanitary sewers.
Initially, the legislation was focused on large construction projects and municipalities that served populations of 100,000 or more, but recently, the program was expanded to include smaller construction projects and municipalities.
In October 2000, the USEPA authorized the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to implement the program in the State of Florida.
The University of Florida NPDES permit was approved in September 2003. The University has committed to the following activities to reduce pollution impacts on stormwater over the first five-year period of the permit:
- Public Education and Outreach as to Stormwater Impacts
- Public Involvement/Public Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Fore more information on NPDES Phase II permits, check out this University of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS publication.
Public Education and Outreach as to Stormwater Impacts
UF/IFAS Extension is conducting a public education outreach program to educate the university community about the impacts of stormwater discharge on area water bodies. The program will focus on the steps the public can take to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff.
Storm Drain Marking Programs
UF/IFAS Extension will initiate a stormwater drainage marking program in the targeted area on the campus community to install storm drain markers and distribute flyers to on-campus residents. The program flyers will present a list of actions individuals can take to prevent pollution.
Website
UF/IFAS Extension will develop a website that provides a stormwater related information source for the campus community. The site will focus on general and campus specific stormwater issues, upcoming activities, and things that individuals can do to minimize their impact on stormwater.
Media Outreach
UF/IFAS Extension will distribute flyers, pamphlets, and inserts identifying specific stormwater concerns will be included in various student media. Outreach may include newspaper, television and/or radio broadcasts.
Public Involvement/Public Participation
Special Events Program
UF/IFAS Extension shall participate in a minimum of two local campus events. A display booth shall be used to distribute information about storm water and watershed related water quality issues. The display shall provide public education information that includes non-point source pollution prevention materials and or presentations.
Presentation to Student Organizations
UF/IFAS Extension will conduct at least four presentations to campus student organizations will be conducted each year. Presentation will identify specific campus stormwater and non-point source pollution issues as well as more generic stormwater issues that students will likely address when they leave the campus setting.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Complete Mapping of Stormwater Drainage System:
Mapping completed through Master Drainage Plan. Maintain current implementation of the University of Florida-Master Drainage System. Implement selected improvements recommended from the Master Drainage Plan to the Drainage System.
Illicit Discharge Detection, Elimination, and Implementation of Control Measure
Illicit Discharge detection was performed as part of the master drainage plan by surveying portions of the system in dry weather. Suspicious flows will be investigated based on survey findings. A standard operating procedure plan and operations team will be established for follow-up investigation and investigations of new suspicious flows.
Public Outreach Program
By Implementing the Public Education and Outreach Programs referred to above, the public will be informed of the hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste.
Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
The University of Florida's Stormwater Management Plan Report
During design and pre-construction on newly proposed systems, the PPD Operations Engineer and Design Service Engineers (Permitting) will cooperate to assure BMPs listed in the UF Master Drainage Plan and Permit are incorporated into designs for Sediment & Erosion Control and Waste Control.
Erosion and Sediment Control Construction Inspection & Enforcement
UF PPD staff or designated inspectors will conduct periodic site visits to confirm operation of required Sediment & Erosion Control and Waste Control measures. Contractors will be notified of failures and given an opportunity to make corrections. Stop work orders will be issued for continued failures.
Inspector Qualification/Training
UF PPD will employ registered architects/engineers to direct inspections. UF PPD will consider inspector training as programs are made available through IFAS Extension or through internal training programs.
Web Page
UF/IFAS Extension will develop a web site that provides a stormwater related information source for the campus community. The site will provide the opportunity for the public to report stormwater-related problems caused by construction projects on campus whose site plans were reviewed by the University.
Public Comment Tracking
UF/IFAS Extension will track comments received from the public on stormwater issues from construction activities. Comments and follow-up actions will be tracked and included in the annual investigation report.
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
The University of Florida's Scheduled Facilities Repair and Grounds Maintenance Program
PPD and Division of Housing shall conduct annual and ongoing inspections of all University Facilities and Open space. These inspections are recorded in the computerized maintenance work order system program and are prioritized by health and safety issues first.
General Waste Management Construction Standards
Adequate measures during construction are enacted in the University of Florida Construction Standards Volume 1 current issue.
Employee Training
Training courses through an external source or internal source will be provided to all IFAS inspectors. Training courses will cover measures and procedures required by FDEP.
