What is stormwater?
"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). These BMPs filter out pollutants and/or prevent pollution by controlling it at its source." (EPA)
What is illicit discharge?
"Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as '...any discharge to an MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater...' with some exceptions." These exceptions include discharges from water-line flushing, landscape irrigation, air conditioning condensate, and discharges from fire-fighting activities. Illicit discharges are considered 'illicit' because "MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes." (EPA)
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. This contaminated, untreated water eventually makes its way into the Mississippi River where it reduces water quality and clarity and can cause harm to fish and wildlife. Considering our campus' location right along the banks of the Mississippi River, it is essential that we take care of this critical shared resource.
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.
How can I help?
Remember – only stormwater down the drain. No dumping of harmful materials such paint waste and auto and household chemicals. In daily life and around campus, you can help by picking up trash and pet waste and avoid use of pollutants like ice melt or salt. If you observe an illicit discharge on campus, please report those findings to the University Health & Safety On-Call Program: [email protected] or 612-626-6004 (24-hr Line)
Click to see the EPA's list of illicit discharges
Learn more about the University of Minnesota's Stormwater Program!
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities' new Climate Action Plan (CAP) looks toward the future of sustainability on campus. The U of M has already cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 51%, No. 2 in the Big Ten for carbon cuts.
Learn more about how the U of M is creating a sustainable campus and future!
A new sustainability club on the Twin Cities campus, UMN Seedlings, collaborated with M Food Co. to put on a sustainable lunch event this past April. Using HowGood, a food sustainability database, UMN Seedlings were able to create an environmentally friendly meal plan aimed to raise environmental awareness in the campus community. Learn more
by Ella Chilson
University of Minnesota undergraduate and graduate student individuals and groups recently received Systemwide Sustainability Student Impact Awards during April’s Sustainability Symposium for their efforts leading the way toward a future in which people and the environment prosper together. Learn more
For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota (U of M) participated in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings (THE Impact Rankings), which in 2023 ranked submissions for 1,591 institutions from 112 countries/regions. The U of M ranked eighth in the U.S. for the overall ranking and in the 101-200 range worldwide.
The U of M is a founding member of the Minnesota Cleantech Consortium, announced today at the Minnesota Cleantech Innovation Day. Learn more
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has earned a STARS® Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Learn more
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Climate Action Plan will be presented as part of the MPact 2025 Sustainability update to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 11th during the Board's Finance and Operations Committee meeting! Show your support for the Climate Action Plan! Learn more:
If you are anything like me, Molly Vagle, and love to buy a bunch of fresh produce and vegetables to have on hand in your home for meals or snacks- then you know the struggle of trying to use all your produce before it goes bad. Food waste is a big environmental issue that has implications on the planet and greenhouse gas emissions. Storing vegetables correctly is the first step in making sure the produce is good for use and does not end up in the trash! Learn more:
It’s just about move-out time! Need to move or downsize and don't know what to do with your stuff? Donate items to the Pack and Give Back program! Store your stuff with the Student Summer Storage program! Learn more:
Apply today for the Student Sustainability Communications Assistant position! Learn more