Minimum Control Measure #6 - Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping:
The goal of this measure is to decrease the amount and type of pollution that collects on streets, lots, open spaces, and vehicle storage and maintenance areas and to decrease amount and type of pollution that is caused by poor maintenance of storm sewer system and improper flood management practices. To achieve this goal, Penn State is developing and implementing a plan to reduce or prevent pollutant runoff into storm sewer system and training employees on pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices using DEP publications. This plan will include selected Best Management Practices (BMPs) and measurable goals for University owned stormwater facilities such as detention and retention basins, and University vehicle operations.
Penn State has met with operation personnel responsible for our stormwater facilities and BMPS, established an inventory of these system’s key features and outlined the existing maintenance and operations for each. Further, we follow the stormwater BMP, as outlined by the EPA. See http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/menu.cfm for the specific BMPs.
To ensure pollution prevention policies are in place for our vehicle maintenance, fueling and washing, Penn State gathered data from personnel responsible for these facilities and is developing a plan for vehicle fueling, washing and maintenance. In 2004, Penn State constructed a state-of-the-art zero polluting, Landscaping Facility. One of the key stormwater protection elements of this new shop is a water recycling system for the equipment washing bay. For more information, see the 2005 Spirit Issue of News and Views, pp 10-11.
Other related programs:
- Integrated Pest Management: Part of Penn State’s efforts to reduce stormwater pollution is the Integrated Pest Management Program. For details, see http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/CASDEPT/IPM/whatisIPM.html
- The following site outlines the fuel handling practices, spill response and hazardous material waste management responsibilities for contractors and PSU personnel: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/envprot/ContractorSpills.pdf