Storm Water
STORM WATER PROGRAM
The University of Montana holds a storm water permit to protect the surface waters of the Clark Fork River from contamination.
This permit puts certain requirements on UM to ensure that the potential for pollution is minimized. Some of these requirements are as follows:
- Storm drain cleaning as needed.
- Parking lot and street cleaning as needed.
- Maintain a used oil recycling program.
- Spill prevention plan for the UM with spill response personnel on campus
- Hazardous material storage, management, and disposal program.
- Stenciling storm drains.
- Education of campus community on storm water issues.
- Monitor for fuel release at fueling sites.
- Public participation.
- Ground truth system so no illicit discharge will occur.
STORM WATER ISSUES
Pollution of surface waters due to storm water runoff is of great concern. As rainwater drains off the land and into the storm water system, it picks up various pollutants and contaminants. These pollutants cause problems for waterways and aquatic organisms. Included are:
- Automotive fluids - often contain toxic chemicals, metals, and organic hydrocarbons
- Sediment and silt - can adversely affect the natural habitat of aquatic life
- Landscaping chemicals - can contain chemicals toxic to aquatic life and nutrients which contribute to the reduction of available oxygen in water
- Pet wastes - can contribute to the reduction of available oxygen
- Litter - macro pollutant which has many adverse effects
- Yard waste - potential impacts including macro pollutants, and reducing oxygen as they decompose. Decomposition products can also be toxic to aquatic life.
REPORTING ILLICIT DISCHARGES
The Missoula Valley Water Quality District (MVWQD), a division within the Missoula City-County Health Department, responds to illicit discharges.
If you would like to report an illicit discharge or have a storm water construction site concern you may use the online reporting form or call 406-258-4890 during regular business hours or for an after-hours matter, please call 911.
Let us know your thoughts or questions on UM's Storm Water Management Program! Email Paul Trumbley