Stormwater Management

Environmental Hazards

Water Pollution: Waste (especially grease, chemicals, and litter) can flow untreated into streams, rivers, and oceans via stormwater systems, harming aquatic life.

Eutrophication: Nutrient-rich waste can promote algae blooms, reducing oxygen in water bodies and killing fish and other aquatic organisms.

Soil Contamination: Improper disposal can leach pollutants into the soil, affecting plant life and potentially entering the food chain.
 

Health Hazards

Public Health Risks: Pathogens from food waste or improperly discarded materials can contaminate water sources.

Pest Infestation: Accumulated grease and litter attract rodents, insects, and other pests, posing additional health concerns.
 

Infrastructure Damage

Clogged Drains: Grease and solids can solidify and block storm drains and sewer lines, causing backups and overflows.

Increased Maintenance Costs: Cities and businesses incur higher costs due to frequent cleaning and repairs.
 

Legal & Regulatory Risks

Fines and Penalties: Violation of environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act) can result in significant fines and sanctions.

Reputational Damage: Negative public perception can harm a food service business’s brand.
 

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Prevention Measures for Food Service Staff

 

Grease Management

Use Grease Traps and Interceptors: Ensure they are properly installed, regularly cleaned, and maintained.

Dry Wipe Cookware and Surfaces: Before washing, wipe off grease with paper towels to reduce what goes down the drain.

Recycle Used Cooking Oil: Store in labeled containers and dispose of through licensed recyclers.

Do Not Pour Grease Down Sinks or Drains: Even with hot water, grease will cool and solidify in pipes.
 

Litter and Solid Waste Control

Use Covered Waste Bins: Prevent waste from being blown or washed into storm drains.

Train Staff on Proper Disposal: Ensure food wrappers, containers, and single-use items are disposed of correctly.

Clean Outdoor Areas Regularly: Sweep sidewalks and parking lots to prevent litter buildup.

Prevent Dumpster Leaks: Ensure dumpsters are in good condition and lids are kept closed.
 

Stormwater Awareness

Label Drains: Use signage to indicate “No Dumping – Drains to Ocean” or similar messages.

Conduct Staff Training: Educate employees on the environmental impacts of improper disposal and best practices.

Inspect and Maintain Equipment: Prevent leaks from equipment and vehicles that might enter the stormwater system.

Okemos Public Schools (OPS) is situated within the Red Cedar River watershed in Ingham County, Michigan. This watershed encompasses approximately 462 square miles and includes communities such as Okemos, East Lansing, and Lansing. The Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand River, flows through Okemos and serves as a vital waterway for the region.

At each of the Okemos Public Schools locations, several potentially impacted water bodies are present, which include ponds, creeks, and other low-lying areas. These areas can be sensitive to environmental disturbances such as stormwater runoff, waste disposal, and other forms of contamination.

Ponds (Kinawa Middle School, Okemos High School, Chippewa Middle School, Bennett Woods Elementary)

Potential Impacts: Ponds, often situated on or near school grounds, are vulnerable to pollution from runoff containing nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), debris, and chemicals. This can lead to water quality degradation, eutrophication, and the potential for algal blooms, which harm aquatic life and reduce oxygen levels in the water.

Management Considerations: Regular monitoring of water quality, vegetation management around the pond, and the establishment of buffer zones can help mitigate these risks.

Creeks/Rivers (Kinawa Middle School, Okemos Public Montessori)

Potential Impacts: Creeks flowing through or near school properties are susceptible to erosion, sedimentation, and pollution from stormwater runoff. Waste such as litter, oils, and other chemicals can easily be washed into these water bodies, affecting water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Management Considerations: Ensuring proper stormwater management through green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable surfaces, can reduce runoff into creeks. Regular creek clean-up events and proper disposal of waste will also help maintain the integrity of the water body.

Low-Lying Areas (Bennett Wood, Okemos High School)

Potential Impacts: Low-lying areas, including floodplains and wetlands, can accumulate runoff, particularly after heavy rains. These areas are critical for absorbing excess water and filtering pollutants before they reach larger bodies of water, but they are also vulnerable to contamination from improperly disposed chemicals, litter, and untreated wastewater.

Management Considerations: Protecting low-lying areas through proper waste management, controlling invasive plant species, and ensuring that runoff is directed away from these sensitive areas can improve water quality and biodiversity in the watershed.

Good housekeeping practices are essential in preventing pollution, especially when managing runoff and protecting water quality. Below are best practices related to lawn care, pesticide and herbicide application, vehicle and equipment cleaning, and de-icing that can help reduce environmental impact:

Lawn Care

Use Native Plants: Choose drought-tolerant, native plants that require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide, which will help reduce runoff and support local wildlife.

Mow at the Right Height: Mowing grass at the recommended height helps roots grow deeper and healthier, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving water retention.

Aerate the Soil: Regular aeration reduces soil compaction, improving water infiltration and reducing surface runoff.

Limit Fertilizer Use: Apply fertilizers only when necessary and follow application guidelines to avoid excess nutrients in stormwater runoff. Use slow-release fertilizers to minimize the risk of leaching into water bodies.

Proper Irrigation: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and runoff. Use efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation to ensure water goes directly to plant roots.

Pesticide and Herbicide Application

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for pesticide and herbicide application. Apply only when necessary and at recommended rates to prevent over-application, which can lead to contamination of nearby water bodies.

Use Low-Impact Chemicals: Opt for less toxic or organic alternatives to reduce harm to non-target organisms like pollinators, fish, and beneficial insects.

Avoid Application Before Rain: Apply chemicals only when the forecast predicts dry weather for at least 24-48 hours. This minimizes the chance of runoff carrying chemicals into storm drains.

Buffer Zones: Establish buffer zones or no-spray areas near water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or ponds, to prevent direct contamination.

Proper Disposal: Dispose of unused chemicals and their containers according to local regulations. Never pour chemicals down drains or storm drains.

Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning (Power Washing)

Wash Vehicles in Designated Areas: Always wash vehicles and equipment in designated wash areas, such as commercial wash stations, where wastewater is treated and filtered. Avoid washing vehicles directly on lawns, driveways, or streets where wash water can enter stormwater drains.

Use Biodegradable Detergents: If power washing or using detergents, choose biodegradable and environmentally friendly products to minimize the chemical impact.

Use Water-efficient Equipment: Consider using low-pressure, high-efficiency cleaning systems that reduce water usage and minimize runoff.

Clean with Care: Use a catch basin or containment area to capture and properly dispose of the wastewater. Never dump the runoff into storm drains or local waterways.

De-Icing

Use Environmentally-Friendly De-Icing Products: Instead of traditional road salt (sodium chloride), use alternative de-icing products like calcium magnesium acetate or potassium acetate, which are less harmful to vegetation, aquatic life, and infrastructure.

Apply Sparingly: Only apply de-icing products when necessary and avoid over-application. Use the least amount needed to achieve safe walking and driving conditions.

Pre-Treat Surfaces: Pre-treat surfaces before snow or ice accumulation to reduce the need for large quantities of de-icing products.

Sweep Up Excess Salt: After the snow and ice melt, sweep up any remaining de-icing product from sidewalks, driveways, or parking lots to prevent it from running into stormwater systems.

Shovel and Plow First: Always shovel or plow snow and ice before applying de-icing products to reduce the amount needed.

General Tips for Good Housekeeping Practices

Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect areas prone to contamination (e.g., lawns, parking lots, and vehicle cleaning areas) to ensure proper maintenance and that runoff is controlled.

Stormwater Management: Implement best practices for stormwater management, such as installing rain gardens, bioswales, or permeable pavement, to absorb and treat runoff on-site.

Training and Awareness: Educate staff, tenants, and residents on these best practices to ensure proper implementation and reduce pollution from everyday activities.

Facilities for the collection and disposal of hazardous wastes are available to ensure safe and efficient management of these potentially harmful materials. Waste is collected daily and weekly as needed, with all materials stored in a centralized location for proper separation.

This system ensures that hazardous waste is organized by type for safe handling. Once separated, the waste is picked up on a monthly and seasonal basis by third-party companies that specialize in the disposal of biohazards and other hazardous materials. These third-party services ensure that the hazardous waste is disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations, mitigating potential risks to both public health and the environment.

Maintenance activities at each facility are essential for ensuring environmental protection and sustainable land management, particularly in the context of watershed health. Below are some key practices that apply to various types of our facilities:

Proper Septic System Care

Routine Inspections and Pumping: Septic systems must be inspected regularly and pumped as necessary to prevent system failure. This ensures the proper functioning of the system, preventing leaks or overflows that could contaminate nearby water sources.

Maintenance of Drainfields: Ensuring that drain fields are free from debris, compacted soil, or excess water runoff is crucial for the system's efficiency. Vegetation over drain fields is managed to prevent root intrusion while promoting infiltration of water.

Proper Waste Disposal: Educating operations staff to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items or chemicals that can disrupt septic systems and contaminate water bodies.
 

Management of Riparian Lands

Buffer Zones: Maintaining vegetative buffer zones along rivers, lakes, and wetlands is crucial for protecting riparian lands. These buffers filter runoff, stabilize stream banks, and prevent erosion, reducing sediment and pollutant flow into water bodies.

Invasive Species Control: Riparian areas should be monitored for invasive plant species that can outcompete native vegetation. Removing invasive species and promoting native plants helps maintain the integrity of the riparian ecosystem.

Habitat Restoration: Where necessary, riparian areas should be restored through plantings of native vegetation to improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce the risk of erosion.

Role of Vegetation in Watershed Maintenance

Erosion Control: Vegetation plays a critical role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, particularly along stream banks and slopes. Plant roots help hold soil in place, reducing sedimentation in nearby water bodies.

Floodwater Mitigation: Well-established vegetation, such as trees and grasses, can help absorb and slow the flow of rainwater, reducing the volume of runoff that enters stormwater systems and water bodies. This helps mitigate flooding and reduce the risk of water pollution.

Water Quality Improvement: Vegetative cover, especially in riparian zones and wetlands, acts as a natural filter, capturing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus before they can reach larger bodies of water. This reduces the likelihood of eutrophication and algal blooms in downstream waters.

By prioritizing regular maintenance of septic systems, managing riparian zones, and leveraging the benefits of vegetation in watershed maintenance, facilities can contribute to the overall health of the watershed and protect surrounding water resources. These practices also play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable land and water use.