You’re driving in a downpour and plunge through huge puddles in the road and watch as precipitation makes it way to storm drains. These storm drains are essential for removing water from the streets during precipitation events and help prevent street flooding. But do you ever wonder what becomes of that stormwater after it passes through the drain and out of sight?
In most cases, it eventually flows into bodies of surface water. The same thing happens in an industrial setting, such as your campus power plant. In rainy weather, water either enters the storm sewers, or it runs off the building and into the soil. Depending on what’s nearby (such as a coal-storage area or fuel-oil transfer station), the stormwater may contain contaminants that could adversely impact the environment.
To learn more about the environmental laws, regulations and best practices associated with stormwater from your campus power plant, continue through this section.