Storm drains are drains found on streets, curbs, sidewalks and on other impervious surfaces to prevent flooding and divert rainwater and melted snow off the streets and into the Mississippi and other local water bodies. Storm drains fulfill an important purpose but can harm water quality because the water they collect, and all the pollutants it carries, goes untreated into the Mississippi and other local water bodies. Too many leaves or debris around/entering the storm drain causes excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants to enter the river. As water runs across landscapes and streets into storm drains, it picks up and carries away pollutants such as cigarette butts, trash, salt, vehicle fluids or yard waste. These pollutants, sediments, nutrients and bacteria can have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. This contaminated, untreated water eventually makes its way into the Mississippi River where it contaminates water, reduces water quality and clarity, and can cause harm to fish and wildlife.
More than 50 communities rely on the Mississippi for daily water supply (NPS), thus we must keep our storm drains CLEAN and CLEAR from all debris! Excess leaves and debris around storm drains can also clog and flood the drains and the surrounding area. The University of Minnesota's commitment to addressing storm water runoff from campus, as detailed in the campus-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), is to reduce pollutants to the maximum extent practicable.
YOU can help alleviate this problem by sweeping leaves and debris AWAY from storm drains and streets, inspect and clear storm drains periodically, and notify the city if any repair or replacement is needed! Learn more about stormwater at the University of Minnesota at: http://z.umn.edu/stormwater!
The Holidays are Here!
Be sustainable this holiday season and be mindful of consumption habits and impacts on the environment. Follow this guide to a sustainable holiday season! Learn more:
Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. To protect these resources, communities, construction companies, industries, and others, use stormwater controls, known as best management practices (BMPs). Learn More:
Storm drains fulfill an important purpose but can harm water quality because the water they collect, and all the pollutants it carries, goes untreated into the Mississippi and other local water bodies. Too many leaves or debris around/entering the storm drain causes excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants to enter the river. Learn more!
Your voice matters. Join the Climate Action Planning VIRTUAL Workshop to provide your input on how the University should eliminate emissions and adapt to a changing climate. There will be a brief presentation followed by small group breakouts.
Ever wonder how to be sustainable on and off campus? There are various ways and engagement levels to lead a sustainable lifestyle on and off campus! Learn More:
Happy Holidays! Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, a season that is usually filled with joy, and oftentimes, food waste. We need to be conscious of our consumption and waste of food, as it is a precious resource that takes a lot of energy and resources to create. Cut down on food waste this Thanksgiving by being proactive and following this advice! Learn more
Your voice matters. Join the Climate Action Planning Workshop to provide your input on how the University should eliminate emissions and adapt to a changing climate. There will be a brief presentation (20 minutes) followed by small group breakouts. Snacks provided.
November 15th, 2022, 4-5:30pm
Moos Tower room 1-451 (FIRST FLOOR!)
Meatless Mondays is a global movement that encourages people to reduce meat in their diets for their health and health of the environment. Mondays can be used to take the first step in reducing your impacts on the environment and consumption of meat. Research shows that shifting towards a more plant-based diet can help to reduce the global burden of preventable diseases while preserving limited land and water resources and slowing down climate change. Learn more
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a host institution of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 2022 virtual conference (GCSHE) 10/18, 10/26, & 11/3. The first 100 UMN registrants attend for FREE!
The Office of Sustainability is updating its climate action plan (CAP), which will focus on reducing the University’s greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for a changing climate. We're hiring Climate Action Interns! Search job ID 351579 at hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job