Stormwater Management

Stormwater pollution can have a significant impact on the quality of surface waters and the surrounding ecosystems. East Tennessee State University strives to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff from its facilities. To that end, ETSU is implementing numerous pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices that will minimize its contribution to stormwater pollution.

This website offers you information on stormwater regulations, University stormwater management practices and ways you can prevent stormwater pollution on campus.

Why does ETSU have a stormwater management plan?

East Tennessee State University is required to be permitted under the Tennessee Water Control Act of 1977 (T.C.A. 69-3-101 et seq.), the EPA underwriters Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended by the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and the Water Control Act of 1987, P.L. 100-4. ETSU, as an operator of a small municipal separate storm sewer system, is authorized to discharge stormwater runoff into waters of the State of Tennessee. ETSU and Johnson City have agreed to co-permit because all applicable stormwater from the main campus discharges into those streams encompassed by the existing Johnson City stormwater permit.

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly into places like Brush Creek that runs through campus. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies that flow through our community.

What is stormwater management?

Stormwater management is the process of controlling stormwater runoff for the purpose of reducing erosion, water quality degradation and flooding. Stormwater management control measures are often referred to as Best Management Practices (BMP). BMP's can either be structural or nonstructural measures taken to mitigate changes to both the quantity and quality of runoff.

How can we improve stormwater quality?

Stormwater pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in managing stormwater runoff. The most effective way to reduce stormwater pollution is to prevent pollutants from entering the system in the first place.

Examples of Good Housekeeping Practices at ETSU

Neat and orderly storage of chemicals in a proper manner and location.
Prompt cleanup and removal of spillage.
Regular garbage pickup and disposal.
Provisions for proper storage and inspection of containers, drums and above ground storage tanks.
Prevention of accumulation of liquid and solid chemicals on the ground or floor in buildings.
Work surfaces, floors and ground surfaces are cleaned on routine basis.
Equipment is routinely inspected for leaks or contact of storm water with raw or waste materials.
Equipment, which is not working properly, is promptly taken out of service for repair.
Train and abide by Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures Plan.
Store materials so that there is adequate aisle space to facilitate material transfer.
Store containers, drums and other containers indoors or in enclosed storage units and way from direct traffic routes to prevent accidental spills.
Store containers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
When necessary, store drums/containers on pallets to prevent corrosion.
Maintain good material inventory practices that can reduce the waste that results from overstocking and the disposal of out-of-date materials.
Maintain preventive maintenance program for University vehicles.
Periodic inspections and testing of equipment and systems including examination for leaks, corrosion,
foundation failure, or other forms of deterioration.
Store hazardous waste in designated facility building.
Use commercial car wash to clean vehicles.
Vehicle maintenance involving oil and other mechanical fluids not performed in campus parking lots.
Utilize campus recycling program.
Store bulk salt in covered storage building.
Fertilizers and pesticides stored inside to prevent runoff to storm drains.

ETSU Stormwater Links

Federal Stormwater Links

State and Local Government Links