University of Iowa
OP-23: Stormwater Management

Stormwater Policy "The University of Iowa's stormwater permit covers all 1,968 acres of the campus. To monitor the quality of the water discharged into waterways, sampling of water discharge, tracking of water flow, and annual inspections of all outfalls into waterways will be done. MS4 permits are already in force in several other large local municipalities and you can review their programs by visiting their site from our home page.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/pdc/stormwater.html Construction “Construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre are required to have an operator implement an MS4 program to reduce the amount of pollutants in stormwater runoff from the construction site. The program must include an ordinance requiring the implementation of proper erosion and sediment controls, a site plan review of potential water quality impacts, site inspections, and sanctions to ensure compliance.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.html Post-Construction “Post-construction runoff controls have shown to be the most cost-effective approach to stormwater quality management. Post-construction sediment is easily washed away in water flows into stormwater drains. Sediments like oil, grease, pesticides, heavy metals, nitrogen, and phosphorus can be left unchecked when a working crew leaves a construction site. Also, water flows in streams and rivers can be severely altered because new buildings and parking lots add drainage to stromwater sewers and transfer the water to waterways instead of allowing the water to be absorbed by the ground, plant life, and wildlife. Post-construction runoff controls consist of inspecting completed construction sites, tracking stormwater and waterways connected to newly constructed sites, and ordinances requiring post-construction runoff controls.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater/html Ongoing Campus Operations “An operation and maintenance program that strictly outlines the procedures and requirements for the MS4 has been put together to help train employees on pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices. Best management practices and measurable goals for the program will also be included in the procedures and requirements.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.htm Public Education and Outreach “A public education and outreach program is needed to give the public a better understanding of the public’s personal responsibilities to maintain a clean environment. Responsibilities include taking steps to reduce the pollutants in stormwater, understanding the impact of stormwater on water quality, and reporting any illicit materials in stormwater drainage by phone or mail. Stormwater drains are marked with the stickers shown below.” http://www.facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.html

Vegetated roofs are planned for several major new buildings currently under construction.

Porous paving is used in several locations across campus, most notably at the Beckwith Boathouse.

As of the Fall of 2012, five retention ponds have been have been constructed on campus: Beckwith Boathouse Kuhl House Glen Schaeffer Library Shambaugh House Stuit Hall

The University of Iowa has constructed two bio-swales on campus as of November of 2012: Oakdale Animal Quarters/State Hygienic Lab Information Technology Facility

Rain gardens, filters, underground storage and other best management practices are used for alternative storm water management.