Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.54
Liaison Elizabeth MacKenzie
Submission Date Aug. 8, 2013
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.2

University of Iowa
OP-23: Stormwater Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 David McClain
Manager, Water Utilities
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a policy, plan, and/or strategies to reduce stormwater runoff from new development projects? :
Yes

Does the institution have a policy, plan, and/or strategies to reduce stormwater runoff from ongoing campus operations? :
Yes

A brief description of the institution's stormwater management initiatives:

Stormwater Policy
"The University of Iowa's stormwater permit covers all 1,968 acres of the campus. To monitor the quality of the water discharged into waterways, sampling of water discharge, tracking of water flow, and annual inspections of all outfalls into waterways will be done. MS4 permits are already in force in several other large local municipalities and you can review their programs by visiting their site from our home page.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/pdc/stormwater.html

Construction
“Construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre are required to have an operator implement an MS4 program to reduce the amount of pollutants in stormwater runoff from the construction site. The program must include an ordinance requiring the implementation of proper erosion and sediment controls, a site plan review of potential water quality impacts, site inspections, and sanctions to ensure compliance.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.html

Post-Construction
“Post-construction runoff controls have shown to be the most cost-effective approach to stormwater quality management. Post-construction sediment is easily washed away in water flows into stormwater drains. Sediments like oil, grease, pesticides, heavy metals, nitrogen, and phosphorus can be left unchecked when a working crew leaves a construction site. Also, water flows in streams and rivers can be severely altered because new buildings and parking lots add drainage to stromwater sewers and transfer the water to waterways instead of allowing the water to be absorbed by the ground, plant life, and wildlife. Post-construction runoff controls consist of inspecting completed construction sites, tracking stormwater and waterways connected to newly constructed sites, and ordinances requiring post-construction runoff controls.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater/html

Ongoing Campus Operations
“An operation and maintenance program that strictly outlines the procedures and requirements for the MS4 has been put together to help train employees on pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices. Best management practices and measurable goals for the program will also be included in the procedures and requirements.” http://facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.htm

Public Education and Outreach
“A public education and outreach program is needed to give the public a better understanding of the public’s personal responsibilities to maintain a clean environment. Responsibilities include taking steps to reduce the pollutants in stormwater, understanding the impact of stormwater on water quality, and reporting any illicit materials in stormwater drainage by phone or mail. Stormwater drains are marked with the stickers shown below.” http://www.facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/stormwater.html


The website URL where information about the institution's stormwater management initiatives, plan or policy is available:
Does the institution have a living or vegetated roof?:
No

A brief description of the institution's living or vegetated roof:

Vegetated roofs are planned for several major new buildings currently under construction.


Does the institution have porous paving?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution's porous paving:

Porous paving is used in several locations across campus, most notably at the Beckwith Boathouse.


Does the institution have retention ponds?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution's retention ponds:

As of the Fall of 2012, five retention ponds have been have been constructed on campus:
Beckwith Boathouse
Kuhl House
Glen Schaeffer Library
Shambaugh House
Stuit Hall


Does the institution have stone swales?:
No

A brief description of the institution's stone swales:
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Does the institution have vegetated swales?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution's vegetated swales:

The University of Iowa has constructed two bio-swales on campus as of November of 2012:
Oakdale Animal Quarters/State Hygienic Lab
Information Technology Facility


Does the institution employ any other technologies or strategies for stormwater management?:
Yes

A brief description of other technologies or strategies for stormwater management employed:

Rain gardens, filters, underground storage and other best management practices are used for alternative storm water management.


Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.