02-11-04
COLLEGE SEEKS INPUT IN
DEVELOPING STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is developing a comprehensive storm water management program to minimize the discharge of pollutants on campus.
Dr. Thomas Wortman, special projects assistant to the dean, said the plan will complement a variety of environmental activities already undertaken by the Greener Behrend Task Force. Behrend College operates a "regulated small municipal separate sewer system," and new federal rules require municipalities and institutions such as colleges to establish a storm water program.
"Public education and outreach will be important aspects of our activities," Wortman said. "Greener Behrend will share practical information with faculty, staff, and students, as well as vendors and contractors doing business with the University."
Wortman and Director of Operations John Ream will work with concerned individuals and groups to develop the college's strategy.
A public meeting concerning the plan will be held Thursday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. in the MISC Studio, Kochel Center.
Additional information will be posted at http://greencampus.psu.edu, including the "When It Rains, It Drains" brochure in PDF format.
The storm water management program will include:
. Public education and outreach . Public involvement and participation . Detection and elimination of illicit discharges . Run-off control at construction sites . Post-construction storm water management . Pollution prevention, including good housekeeping practices
Storm water becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it flows, or when it causes flooding and erosion. Storm water travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that constitute storm sewer systems, and the water eventually flows into a lake, river, stream, or coastal water. For instance, pet wastes left on the ground get carried away by storm water, contributing bacteria, parasites, and viruses to the water supply.
For further information, contact Wortman at 814-898-6160 or twortman@psu.edu.
814-898-6063 (O)
E-mail: lzb6@psu.edu