UH Manoa Storm Drain Awareness Training

1. UH Manoa“Storm Drain” Awareness Training

2. Discussion Topics Issue Summary Storm Drains vs. Sanitary Sewers Regulatory Background Allowable Activities/Discharges Prohibited Activities/Discharges Best Management Practices Responsibilities

3. Issue Summary Storm water “sheet flows” across impervious (a.k.a., paved) surfaces (e.g., roads, sidewalks, parking lots) During drainage transit, water “picks up” pollutants (e.g., debris, chemicals)

4. Pollutants result in storm water degradation Pollution levels depend on condition of impervious surfaces Pollution will always exist (to some degree) but goal is minimization Storm water sampling is one way to determine pollution type/levels Not always practical Want to reduce pollution without need for samples Issue Summary (cont.)

5. Each have important distinctions Storm drain = storm water Sanitary sewers = sinks, bathrooms Different items “allowed” to enter both Storm Drain vs. Sanitary Sewer

6. Storm Drain vs. Sanitary Sewer

7. Regulatory Background Department of Health permits issued in 2003 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) NPDES Permit for Construction Activity Both based on Clean Water Act, non-point pollution sources

8. Regulatory Background (cont.) Both Manoa NPDES Permits “protect” MS4 conveyances from illicit discharges Examples: oil, debris, sediment, paint MS4 definition: conveyance or system of conveyances designed/used for collecting or conveying storm water Examples: roads with drainage systems, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains

9. Regulatory Background (cont.) Permit compliance essential Unannounced DOH inspections expected Regulatory penalties and fines can be issued Hawaii DOT $1 million in penalties Required to implement $50 million in MS4 management and control efforts over the next five years Achieving full compliance (for both NPDES permits) will take time

10. Multiple compliance aspects: Storm Water Management Plan Storm Water Sampling Plan Illicit discharge detection Training Public awareness Storm drain stenciling Earth Day participation Annual reporting Use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) Regulatory Background (cont.)

11. Best Management Practices Designed to protect water quality and reduce storm water pollution Reduce pollutants from runoff Structural: Physical “devices” Procedural: Activities/practices BMP awareness and facilitation is everyone’s responsibility

12. Example Structural BMPs: Equipment/vehicle rinsing area Storm drain inserts/silt fences Absorbents/drip pans under any outdoor equipment that may drip while in storage (short- or long-term) Absorbents/drip pans under indoor equipment which can leak any fluids that can enter nearby storm drains Best Management Practices (cont.)

13. Requirements for absorbents & drip pans: Select those that can “stay in place” during daily activity or rain events Inspect outside absorbents/pans during and after rain events Empty as necessary to prevent overfilling Ensure proper disposal of contents (e.g., used oil or chemical wastes Best Management Practices (cont.)

14. Example Procedural BMPs: Keep concrete areas around the buildings/structures clean Containerize all trash and garbage Keep dumpsters closed when not being actively filled Maintain all equipment to ensure proper operations Perform pressure washing on or toward grassy areas Do not perform near storm drain Increases potential pollutants Keep sediment out of storm drains Best Management Practices (cont.)

15. Ensure proper storage for any “temporary,” outside items (e.g., construction materials, scrap equipment, etc.) Store away from storm drains Use covers or secondary containment (if necessary) Ensure proper hazardous material storage Ensure proper labeling and disposal Follow Hazardous Material & Hazardous Waste Management Program (HMMP) Best Management Practices (cont.)

16. Allowed Discharges Landscape irrigation water Discharges of flows from fire fighting activities Spring water Diverted stream flows Discharges from potable water sources and foundation drains

17. Prohibited Discharges Anything other than storm water!!! Car/Pressure washing discharges Debris Chemicals (e.g., used solvents/cleaners) Oil Construction materials Wash water (dump in grassy area or drain)

18. Responsibilities Protect storm drains by: Adhering to BMPs Being observant Asking EHSO questions Reporting any violations to Stacie Cheramie, Environmental Compliance Officer (956-9173 or cheramie@hawaii.edu) Properly clean/report spills

19. Questions?