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Public Education/Outreach

Involving Public Participation

Stormwater Pollutants

As precipitation flows across parking lots, streets, and sidewalks, it flushes motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, trash, pet waste, pesticides, cleaners and other pollutants into storm drains and catch basins. Then, without any treatment, this contaminated stormwater flows directly into local creeks and rivers.

These pollutants affect water quality and impact wildlife. For example, excess lawn fertilizer increases the growth of algae in streams, which reduces the oxygen that aquatic life requires for survival. In addition, the high-energy, short duration flows of storms erode stream banks and destroy wildlife habitats.

The goal of this brochure is to educate students, faculty, staff, and visitors at TSU that dumping litter or other hazardous materials is harmful to our water quality and environment.

TSU’s Stormwater System

Storm drains and catch basins are located throughout the TSU Spokane campus to remove excess water from parking lots, streets, and other impervious surfaces during rain and snow events. Water from storm drains discharges through collection pipes and drains.  Storm drains are not part of your household wastewater treatment system, so they carry pollutants directly to the nearest creek, river, or lake.

Getting Assistance

Everyone plays a part in improving stormwater quality, and Tennessee State University (TSU) is committed to the development and implementation of stormwater pollution monitoring, control, and outreach efforts on its campuses (see “ Stormwater Pollution Prevention: What TSU is Doing ”).

More information about TSU stormwater management programs is available on the EH&S website.

Visit the Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency.

If you would like to file a stormwater complaint, you can call the EH&S Office at 615-963-5683.

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