July 1, 2016
TO: University of Utah Community
FR: Ms. Martha D. Shaub, CEM
Managing Director Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
RE: Pollution Prevention: Storm Water Management and Illicit Discharge
Only clean water can go down the storm drain on campus.
In urban areas, like the University, where there are mostly parking lots, sidewalks, paved streets and rooftops, less
rainfall can soak directly into the ground. The runoff is carried by curbs or gutters into storm drains or spillways. Storm
drains are separate from the sanitary sewer and DO NOT lead to a treatment plant. The storm water runoff is ultimately
deposited in our washes, rivers, or lakes without being treated.
Preventing illicit discharges is everyone’s responsibility. Illicit discharges are generally any spill into a storm drain
system this is not composed entirely of storm water. Pollutants include, but are not limited to the following:
- Household Hazardous Wastes (kitchen and bathroom cleaners, etc).
- Oil or other fluids from motor vehicles.
- Pet Waste.
- Trash, litter or debris such as grass clippings.
Please do your part to prevent illicit discharge pollution by disposing of wastes appropriately and maintaining vehicles
to prevent leaks or discharges. If you observe illegal dumping or spilled materials at the U please call Occupational
and Environmental Health and Safety at (801)581-6590.
“Our life’s work is caring for the water you drink!”