Stormwater Management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A meander in the daylighted portion of Meadow Creek.
FAQ
Q: I see a strange color/floating material/sheen/suspended particles in a waterway around Grounds. Where should I report this?
A: Tell us! Call 982-4911 to report an illicit discharge. Read FAQs 2 and 3 to make sure what you're seeing isn't a natural phenomena. If you're unsure, call us and report it.
Q: I see an orange colored creek bed. Is it polluted?
A: Probably not. An orange color is commonly the result of iron staining. Due to construction and other land altering activities around grounds, natrual iron in the soil becomes exposed to oxygen and oxidizes or rusts. This produces the orange color, which in some places can look like some sort of strange chemical sludge. Click here for pictures of iron staining around grounds. Iron staining is a natural phenomenon, and other than occasionally being unattractive, is harmless.
Q. There's a sheen on the water in a creek near me. Is this oil?
A: Not necessarily. The effects of iron staining often leave a slight sheen on the surface of water. The natural sheen differs from an oil sheen in that you cannot see a rainbow of colors in a natural sheen. Click here for pictures of sheens on the surface of water.
Q: I need to wash a University owned vehicle. Where can I go to do this?
A: Facilities Management has a vehicle washing station which drains to the sanitary sewer so that soapy water doesn't enter our storm sewers. You may also use commercial car washes.
Q: I need to wash a piece of equipment. Can I just use soap and water and wash it in the parking lot?
A: No. Washing equipment in the parking lot with soap allows soap and dirt from the equipment to run directy into storm drains. There are equipment washing stations located at Scott Stadium and Facilities Management. Equipment may also be washed with mild soap and water in landscaped or grassy areas.
To report an illicit discharge, spill, or unusual water condition call 982-4911!
Contact EHS with stormwater related questions or comments at storm-water@virginia.edu.
EHS Stormwater website questions or comments should be directed to Jess Wenger at jsw6d@virginia.edu or 982-5540.
