A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), regulates storm water discharged from the campus storm drainage system into nearby Scajaquada Creek. The goal of this program is to eliminate pollutant entry into storm water drainage. Through education and training, practices and procedures, and engineering and structural controls, we strive to minimize the release of pollutants into storm water run-off from the campus.
Final Annual Storm Water Report for the Period Ending March 9, 2011:
As required by the MS4 Permit, the Buffalo State College prepares an annual report documenting the college's storm water management program and campus storm water pollution prevention (SWP2) efforts. To access the most recent final annual report, for the period ending March 9, 2011, Click here (1.16 MB) . Archived final reports may be accessed via the links at the bottom of this page.
Draft Annual Storm Water Report:
A draft storm water report for the annual period ending March 9th of each year is made available for public comment through notices published on this website and the local newspaper starting in mid-April each year with directions and deadlines for submitting comments. At the close of the public comment period, which typically ends during the 3rd week of May, the report is finalized to incorporate public comments and address public notice requirements before it is submitted to the NYS DEC. To access the most recent draft report, for the period ending March 9, 2011, Click here (1.04 MB). A paper copy of this report is also available for viewing during normal business hours (Mon.- Fri. , 8 am to 4 pm) at the Campus Services Customer Service Center, located in the Clinton Center on Rockwell Road.
The public comment period for the draft report covering the most recent annual period ending March 9, 2011 has closed. During the public comment period, written comments on the report may be submitted to:
Storm Water Coordinator, Clinton Center Room 209, Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14222-1095.
Alternatively, written comments may be submitted via e-mail to: bleechjp@buffalostate.edu. The Storm Water Coordinator may also be contacted at (716) 878-6136 for assistance.
Comments received during the public comment period are reveiwed and addressed in the Final Storm Water Annual Report, scheduled for issuance by June 1st of each year.
Storm Water Management Plan Available for Public Participation:
The college storm water management team has prepared a revised Storm Water Management Plan for the campus to address requirements of the MS4 permit, update campus conditions, and identify current and future SWP2 measures. The public is invited to review this written plan and submit comments and suggestions to help us improve the campus SWP2 program. The public is also invited to partcipate in the development, implementation, and update of the plan.
To view and download the December 2008 Storm Water Management Plan, Click here (8.54 MB). A copy of this plan is also viewable at the Customer Service Center, located in the Clinton Center on campus. Written comments and suggestions on the plan may be mailed to:
Storm Water Coordinator, Environmental Health and Safety Office, CCTR Room 209, Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo New York 144222-1095.
To find out more on opportunities to participate in the implementation of the plan contact the campus Storm Water Coordinator at (716) 878-6136 or check out the volunteer opportunities described on this webpage.
Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWP2) Plans Available for Public Review:
Each construction, renovation or demolition project that disturbs one acre or more on the campus is required to implement a SWP2 plan, including frequent inspections of run-off controls by a qualified inspector. Copies of SWP2 plans for each project , which are prepared by trained environmental professionals, are available for public review at the Environmental Health and Safety Office, located in the Clinton Center or by contacting the Storm Water Coordinator at 878-6136.
Take Part & Be a Volunteer:
The college Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) coordinates student and staff volunteer participation in community clean-up events. The annual Community Service Day, which includes spring clean-up projects in the neighboring community and/or Scajaquada Creek is held around Earth Day in April of each year, draws hundreds of volunteers each year. To find out more, contact the VSLC by Clicking here or calling 878-5811.
If you would like to volunteer to help the college with outfall surveys or storm drain stenciling to raise public awareness effort, contact the Storm Water Coordinator at 878-6136. Be part of the "solution to pollution" by putting the "u" into the solution!
Take the Campus Grounds/Storm Water Survey:
Campus students, employees, visitors, contractors and vendors are invited to complete the campus grounds storm water survey. Your feedback through this survey will assist in evaluation of the effectiveness of the campus SWP2 program and identify areas for further improvement. To view and download the follow-up survey questionaire form and instructions, Click here. Thanks to all who participated in the survey solicitations held during Bengal Pause.
Prohibition Policy for Non-Storm Water into Campus Storm Sewer Drains:
You may notice the phrase "Only Rain Down The Drain" stenciled around many of the campus storm water run-off catch basins. A separate storm water drainage collection system conveys storm water run-off from campus grounds and buildings directly to Scajaquada Creek. Scajaquada Creek, which receives untreated storm water discharges from many properties and entities along its watershed, is listed by the NYSDEC as an "impaired" water for oxygen demanding pollutants, floatables, phosphorus, and pathogens.
Oxygen Demand/Low Dissolved Oxygen can be caused by chemicals or decaying organic matter, such as raw sewage, which need oxygen to breakdown or oxidize to a more stable state. Chemicals and organic materials readily scavenge or strip dissolved oxygen normally present in water. Aquatic organisms, such as fish, need dissolved oxygen in the water to survive.
Pathogens include bacteria, which can cause sickness or disease outbreaks in wildlife, aquatic organisms, and humans if ingested. Raw sewage and decaying organic matter are often sources of pathogens.
Floatables include grease and other solids capable of creating a floating film over the water. Floatable can contain pathogens, pesticides, and concentrated metals, which can be harmful to fish and wildlife that rely on the creek for survival.
Phosphorus is a substance used in fertilizers and other chemicals and can cause excessive algae growth, which can block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels needed for aquatic organisms to survive.
Help keep our campus attractive by properly disposing of litter, waste, and reporting spills to Campus Services at 878-6111. Disposal or discharge of materials or waste into campus storm drains is prohibited. With a few exceptions, only storm water run-off is permitted in the campus storm drains. Additional sources to the storm drains that are generally authorized include condensate sources (air conditioners), potable water sources, uncontaminated groundwater sources (foundation drains and basement sumps), irrigation water, pavement wash waters where no detergents are used, and fire fighting activity sources.
Authorization requests or other inquiries regarding non-storm water disposal should be directed to the EH&S Office at (716) 878-6136.
Storm Water Hotline:
For accidental material or waste spills, excessive litter, or other storm water pollution incidents contact Campus Services at 878-6111, who will dispatch clean up assistance. To report illegal dumping activity, notify University Police at 878-6333.
Policies and Procedures for SWP2:
Key ingredients for an effective storm water pollution prevention and control program include active implementation of good housekeeping, education and outreach, spill notification, control, and prevention measures. Written policies and procedures for spill prevention and response, SWP2, and illicit discharge prohibition for the campus are viewable on the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Policies and Procedures by Clicking here
Archived Reports and Plans Available
Archived Storm Water Reports:
Annual Report, for the period ending March 9, 2010, Click here (2.26 MB)
Annual Report, for the period ending March 9, 2009, Click here (pdf, 1.11MB).
Annual Report for the period ending March 9, 2008, Click here (pdf, 780 KB).
Draft 2009 Annual Report , Click here (pdf 573 kB).
Draft 2008 Annual Report: Click here (pdf,775 KB)
Draft 2007 Annual Report: Click here (pdf, 348KB)
Archived Storm Water Management Plan:
To view the previous (2006) Storm Water Management Plan, Click here (pdf,5318 KB). To view supporting figures and maps for this plan click here (pdf, 5318KB).
Archived reports and plans may also be accessed by contacting the EH&S Office at 878-4038.
