Stormwater
Stormwater Management
The goal of the University’s stormwater management efforts is to ensure that stormwater runoff from the APSU campus does not adversely impact receiving bodies of water.
General Information
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.
What can citizens do to help protect nearby bodies of water?
- Never dump anything down storm drains
- Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don't pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
- Don't overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible
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Pet waste needs to be cleaned up so it does not wash into our watersheds. When pet waste gets into our watersheds it can bring bacteria and parasites which can cause unwanted algal blooms and a potentially toxic environment for fish
- You can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers (Rain Barrels). The water can be used later on lawn or garden areas.
- Plant vegetated filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.
- Promptly repair vehicle and equipment leaks
What are some examples of Management Practices at APSU that help protect stormwater from contamination?
- Installation of Stormwater Control Measures such as our Native Meadow and Bioretention areas
- Neat and orderly storage of chemicals
- Prompt cleanup of spills
- Regular garbage pickup and disposal
- Regular inspections of all oil-containing drums, reservoirs, and tanks
- Equipment is routinely inspected for leaks
- Training of Physical Plant and Athletics employees regarding appropriate watering and application of pesticides
- Fertilizers and Pesticides are stored inside to prevent runoff into storm drains
To Report an Incident
To report an environmental incident, including dumping or other discharges to a stormwater drain, please follow the instructions at this link or contact the Physical Plant at 221-7456, EHS at 221-6103, or email Carl Gerhold at gerholdc@apsu.edu. A complaint / incident investigation will be intiated within 7 days or less.
APSU Stormwater Links
- Stormwater Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Policy
- APSU Native Meadow
- APSU Tree Care Plan
- Plant the Campus Red
- Project WET
- Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Clarksville Montgomery County Green Certification Program
- State of Tennessee Stormwater Program
Art & Design Bioretention areas
Native Meadow
