What is Stormwater and Why Is It Regulated?
As precipitation flows across impermeable surfaces (streets, parking lots, etc.) it flushes vehicle fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers and pesticides, cleaners and other pollutants into storm drains and catch basins. In some areas, this contaminated stormwater then flows directly into local rivers without treatment.
The EPA has determined that stormwater in urban areas is the leading cause of surface water pollution (rivers, lakes, oceans). As a result, Federal and State regulations only allow stormwater to be discharged to stormwater systems.
WSU Tri-Cities Stormwater System
Storm drains and catch basins are located throughout the WSU Tri-Cities campus to collect and remove excess stormwater runoff from parking lots and roadways during wet weather.
Purpose
The University is responsible for planning, operating, monitoring, maintaining, and protecting the stormwater system at the Tri-Cities campus.
Goals
The goal of the University’s stormwater management program is to ensure that stormwater generated on University property does not adversely impact surface and ground water. This WebSite is intended to assist the WSU community in understanding how the University’s stormwater system operates, what the law requires, and what you can do to reduce contamination of stormwater.
Report Illicit Discharges and Spills
An illicit Discharge is anything other than stormwater that enters the storm water system.
Report illicit discharges and spills to Environmental Health & Safety. If the spilled material may be hazardous, such as gasoline, call the campus emergency line at 372-7234.
Additional Information
The WSU Stormwater Management Program is overseen by EH&S with assistance from Facilities If you have any comments, concerns or questions please contact EH&S.
Refer to the following links for additional information about the impacts of stormwater on rivers and streams, and on methods of controlling stormwater pollution:
- WSU Tri-Cities Stormwater Management Program Plan – 2024
- WSU Tri-Cities 2024 Stormwater Annual Report
Additional Resources about Stormwater:
- City of Richland Stormwater Utility
- City of Richland Stormwater Information
- WSU Pullman Stormwater Management Program
- Department of Ecology Municipal Stormwater Permits
- Department of Ecology Stormwater Program website
- Good Housekeeping Practices (from Spokane County)
- Water Pollution Solutions
- Stormwater Basics Poster (City of Battle Ground)