Stormwater Policy Statements

Stormwater Management

In accordance with the University of Northern Iowa policy and the University's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) the following statements are intended to establish guidance for the University in its storm water compliance efforts.

Illicit Discharge Prohibition

To the maximum extent possible, the University of Northern Iowa prohibits the illicit discharge of non-storm waters to the MS4. Discharges to the University-operated MS4 that are not comprised of storm water properly permitted storm water discharges associated with industrial activity or allowable non-storm water are specifically prohibited. Failure to comply with this policy may result in work stoppages, formal project review, monetary fine and other appropriate corrective actions.

Non-compliance penalties include the following:

• 1st violation - $250 fine
• 2nd violation - $500 fine
• 3rd violation - $1,000 fine and an additional $1,000 fine for each additional day the violation is not corrected.

Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Policy Statement

The University of Northern Iowa acknowledges the importance of post-construction site runoff control after construction activities have been completed. Storm water quality and quantity shall be considered in the design of new construction and best management practices shall be implemented when practical. Written documentation of the analyses determining the practicality of implementing measures to reduce increases in water quantity and decreases in water quality shall be retained as required elsewhere in this permit. Design considerations shall promote the use of storm water detention and retention, grass swales, bioretention swales, riparian buffers and proper operation and maintenance of these facilities.

Construction Site Runoff Control Policy Statement

The University of Northern Iowa acknowledges the importance of construction site runoff control during all phases of construction activity on all sites for which NPDES permits are required and should be considered for all construction sites. Construction site runoff will be minimized to the greatest extent possible by following best management practices for building materials storage, concrete truck washout, chemical management, solid waste and sanitary waste. Appropriate plans will follow the Iowa Construction Site Erosion Control Manual, Iowa Department of Transportation Erosion Control Standards and the University's Standard Operating Procedures for NPDES Construction Permits and shall be modified as operational experience dictates. Failure to comply with this policy may result in work stoppages, formal project review and appropriate corrective actions.

The intent of these policy statements is to control storm water runoff, minimize storm water pollution and contribute to the protection of Iowa's natural resources.

Repavement, Stormwater Repair Retrofit Evaluation Policy Statement

Except where there is no anticipated impact to storm water runoff, repavement or stormwater repair retrofit will follow the same guidelines with respect to erosion and sediment and pollution controls as new development. These guidelines may be found in the UNI Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program. Contractors will be required to implement site-appropriate controls (including BMPs) during repavement or stormwater repair retrofit construction. Environmental Health and Safety will review redevelopment projects for opportunities to improve post-construction storm water management.