Sustainability & Storm Water: The Big Picture

University of Notre Dame

University of Notre DameUtilities Department

Designated MS4Total Campus Area = 1,200 acresSanitary and Storm Sewer Collection System24.4 Miles of Storm Sewer1 Outfall to Surface Water (St. Joseph River)

Formed in 20084 full-time staff & 8 student internsMission Statement: “To integrate sustainable principles

across University operations and engage the campus community with global sustainability issues and the impact of individual choices”

Promote “green” practices to students, faculty and staffInitiate projects that make the University a more

environmentally friendly placeConstant Outreach with Campus Community via

Electronic Media such as e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, as well as other campus publications

University of Notre DameDepartment of Sustainability

EnergyWasteConstructionProcurementTransportationFoodWater

University of Notre DameDepartment of Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITYThe ability to meet present needs

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

So What Does Storm Water have to do with Sustainability?

• Improving storm water quality ensures that future generations will have access to high quality water resources

• Campus lakes are a focal point of the University and the water quality of the lakes is very important to students, staff and alumni

• As part of the St. Joseph River Watershed, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and minimize storm water impacts to our area’s high quality natural resources

So What Does Storm Water have to do with Sustainability?

Public Education & Outreach

In 2010, the Utilities Department decided to partner with the Department of Sustainability to take advantage of their ability to reach out to students, faculty and staff of the University

Department of Sustainability will now be our vehicle to communicate with campus

Attitude surveys, public announcements, opportunities for public involvement

Use of one student intern throughout the year

So What’s the Plan?

Consider partnering with a local UniversityConsider partnering with a local organization

focused on sustainability issues

Some Ideas to Take With You

Chip Farrell, P.E.Senior Environmental SpecialistUniversity of Notre Dame Utilities DepartmentE-mail: Farrell.70@nd.edu

Any Questions?