We can help prevent stormwater pollution!
- 不要乱丢垃圾.
- 使用草坪 & garden chemicals responsibly.
什么是雨水?
雨水, or stormwater runoff, is the water from rain or melted snow that runs across our streets, 人行道上, 停车场, 草坪, 等. as it travels to a storm sewer to be released into our water sources (rivers, lakes, 等.).
雨水 Pollution
Unlike wastewater from our plumbing systems, which send water from our sinks, 淋浴, 洗衣, and toilets to a treatment plant for cleaning before being released, stormwater is not treated and is released directly into our water sources.
As stormwater travels, it picks up pollution (trash/litter, 气体, 机油, 防冻剂, 化肥, 农药, 和宠物粪便). These pollutants are transported to our water sources via 风暴下水道, and because stormwater is not treated, this polluted stormwater has the potential to harm wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources, and force the closing of beaches because of health threats to swimmers. (source)
雨水 Pollution Prevention on Campus
十大博彩推荐排名州立 operates under the the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Public Complex 雨水 General Permit, which authorizes the discharge of stormwater from large publicly owned complexes such as colleges, 大学, prisons and hospital complexes.
In order to remain in compliance with this permit and the associated regulations, the 大学 is required to maintain a 雨水 Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) which ensures that the 大学 is following best practices in its daily operations to keep pollutants out of our stormwater system. These best practices cover a variety of areas in Facilities such as construction, vehicle fueling & 洗, outdoor storage of materials such as ice melting products or mulch, 员工培训, 和更多的.
雨水 Management
雨水 management is the effort to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and to improve the quality of the water that makes its way to our water sources.
Types of 雨水 Infrastructure
Gray Infrastructure
Gray infrastructure generally focuses on collecting rainwater and sending it downstream to ultimately be discharged into a waterway. This type of infrastructure includes design features such as culverts, 排水沟, 风暴下水道, and conventional piped drainage.
Green Infrastructure
Rather than focusing on the transportation of runoff, green infrastructure often mimics the natural processes of 水循环.
除了名字, green infrastructure doesn’t have to be vegetated; it can include designs incorporating pervious pavement and sand filters that use the soils to reduce runoff and treat pollutants, or rain barrels and cisterns that store rainwater for later reuse. Learn more and see examples from across the country.
Examples of Green Infrastructure on Campus
Rain Garden at CELS
The Center for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS) has a rain garden installed in front of the building on either side of the main entrance. The garden holds rain water, slowing it’s release and allowing the garden’s plants to take in as much as possible.
Stop by and see it in action the next time rain is in the forecast!
Permeable Pavers by Morehead Hall
If you’d like to see an example of permeable pavers, visit the area between Morehead and Cole Halls. These pavers are also known as grass pavers because grass grows in their open spaces. The open spaces allow stormwater to be absorbed into the ground while still providing a firm structure for emergency vehicle access.
CELS的绿色屋顶
The Center for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS) has a green roof installed on the 3rd floor terrace.
Constructed with sedum mats, this feature absorbs stormwater, allows for evapotranspiration of stored water, adds insulation to the building roof, and provides a scenic study site and retreat for building occupants.