The Stormwater Runoff Problem and the Impact You Can Have

Did you know that rainwater and the water we use on campus transfers debris and harmful chemicals into our campus storm drains? Those chemicals and toxins end up choking our waterways and are a threat to humans and animals. However, stormwater pollution can be prevented if we all follow simple guidelines to positively contribute to the health and value of our local waterways. 

Stormwater runoff is precipitation such as rain or snow that does not soak into the ground, benefit the tree canopy or evaporate when settled into depressions. Stormwater runoff is dramatically increased due to land development, including increasing numbers of hard surfaces such as roadways, parking lots and rooftops. Managed grassy areas are often compacted during development, reducing the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall. The result is an increased volume of rainfall running into local creeks and streams and carrying toxins and chemicals with it.

Stormwater runoff that enters a storm drain is not directed to a treatment plant like the water flushed down the toilet or going down the sink. Storm sewer systems typically discharge directly to the nearest stream. We have all seen an oil sheen in a parking lot, and yes, the contaminant causing that sheen will soon be in the nearby creek where you like to fish or swim. Ever try to sneak some dog waste down the storm drain on your walk? Did you know pet waste contributes to bacterial impairment in streams, as well as increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus? Wash your car over a storm drain? Any other contaminants you leave exposed to the elements? If so, you are contributing to the degradation of our waterways!

What is an Illicit Discharge?
Illicit discharges can threaten public safety, public health and the environment. An illicit discharge is any substance other than stormwater that enters the storm sewer system or receiving waterbody. Illicit discharges can occur due to specific activities that can result in the exposure of materials that could be transported through stormwater runoff; activities like vehicle or equipment washing; hydraulic fluid or fuel leaks from vehicles and equipment; excessive application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; and dumping of trash or other waste. While there is some level of discharge that is unavoidable, unless the discharge is for purposes of fire-fighting, water line flushing or landscape irrigation, they are considered illicit.

Illicit discharges are prohibited on NOVA campuses and enforcement is implemented with corrective or disciplinary action consistent with the NOVA Policy 308: Stormwater Pollution Prevention and incorporated into the student, employee handbooks. Illicit discharges should be reported to NOVA immediately so that appropriate corrective action can be taken. 

What Can You do to Help?

Report Illicit Discharges: If you see an illicit discharge, a potential illicit discharge or witness illegal dumping, you should contact the appropriate personnel in accordance with NOVA’s Pollution Prevention Policy. The College’s manager of environmental services at 703-764-5095, or NOVA’s 24/7 Police Dispatch at 703-764-5000.

Don’t cause an illicit discharge: Be mindful when performing activities that could introduce pollutants to stormwater runoff:

• Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.
• Clean up vehicle fluid or fuel leaks and spills.
• Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as automotive oil, cooking oil, paint, cleaners, etc.
• Apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers per the manufacturer’s specifications.

What Does NOVA’s Stormwater Runoff Program Involve?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulate stormwater runoff, including runoff from NOVA’s storm sewer system. In response, NOVA implements a comprehensive stormwater management program. NOVA’s program addresses stormwater with a multifaceted approach that includes:

• public education and outreach on stormwater impacts,
• public involvement/participation in activities targeted to improve stormwater quality,
• detection and elimination of illicit (non-stormwater) discharges to the storm sewer,
• requirements for construction site runoff controls,
• requirements to provide long-term stormwater management practices for new construction,
• standard operating procedures to minimize/eliminate negative impacts from campus and contractor activities, and
• implementation of stormwater best management practices to reduce pollutant loads.

Information concerning NOVA’s Stormwater Management Program can be found on NOVA’s website.

Questions or comments concerning NOVA’s Stormwater Management Program or to learn how to volunteer? Contact Evan Wright, NOVA’s manager of environmental services at ewright@nvcc.edu

Submitted by:
Evan Wright, Facilities Planning-Environmental Specialist, EWright@nvcc.edu