Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5485 USA
(269) 387-5590

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Measures

Western Michigan University encourages everyone one to do their part to protect storm water quality. Here are some tips to follow.

Oncampus

WMU employees

  • Keep litter, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains.
  • Do not dump wastewater onto sidewalks or roads or in catch basins.
  • Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other chemicals properly, not in storm drains.
  • Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze. Do not rinse them into the street where they can eventually reach local streams and lakes.
  • Do not use more pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer than is called for in the directions.
  • Divert runoff from pavement to grassy, planted or wooded areas of the property, if possible and logical, so stormwater can seep slowly into the ground.
  • Do not over-water the grass or other vegetated areas. Excess water will pick up whatever it can (i.e. soil, fertilizers, herbicides, cigarette butts, etc.) and run off to storm drains.

  • Do not hose down driveways or sidewalks. Dry sweeping paved areas, along with careful trash disposal, are simple, effective pollution reducers.

Student or visitor 

  • Throw trash, including cigarette butts that have been put out, in the trashcan.
  • Make sure that your car or truck does not leak any fluids.
  • Pick up trash to keep the campus AND our waterways clean. It will make our campus look cleaner and will help to raise pride in our school.
  • Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes used in your WMU apartments or residence hall room. Many common household products, (paint thinners, moth balls, drain and oven cleaners, etc.) contain toxic ingredients. When improperly used or discarded, these products are a threat to public health and the environment.
  • Do not discard hazardous products down any drain or toilet or with regular household trash. If you need to know how to get rid of these materials contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (269) 387-5593.
  • Learn about natural and less toxic alternatives and use them whenever possible.
  • Be aware of how your actions affect our waterways.
  • Get involved. There is a lot happening off and on campus.
  • Enjoy our pond and creek and the beauty they provide.

At home

  • Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze. Do not rinse them into the street where they can eventually reach local streams, rivers and lakes.
  • Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
  • Encourage local government officials to develop construction erosion or sediment control ordinances in your community.
  • Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use chemicals, test your soil to determine the right amount. The Michigan State University Extension in Kalamazoo County does soil testing and help to decide what is right for your lawn. They can be contacted at (269) 383-8830 or via email at kalamazoo@msue.msu.edu.  See also Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety.
  • Don't hose down driveways or sidewalks. Dry sweeping paved areas, along with careful trash disposal, are simple, effective pollution reducers.
  • Compost grass clippings and leaves. Never mow them into the street or allow them to wash into roadways where they will reach storm drains.
  • Get involved in the planning and zoning process in your community. That's where the decisions are made that shape the course of development and the future quality of our environment.
  • Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. Many common household products (paint thinners, moth balls, drain and oven cleaners, etc.) contain toxic ingredients. When improperly used or discarded, these products are a threat to public health and the environment.
  • Do not pour hazardous products down any drain or toilet. Do not discard with regular household trash.
  • Learn about natural and less toxic alternatives and use them whenever possible. Contact your County Solid Waste Management Office for information regarding hazardous waste collection in your area.
  • Recycle all used motor oil by taking it to a service station or local recycling center. Motor oil contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and animals. Do not dump used motor oil down storm drains or on the ground.
  • Animal wastes contain bacteria and viruses that contaminate shellfish and cause the closing of bathing areas. Pet owners should pick up after their pets and dispose of the wastes in the garbage or toilet.
  • Wash your car on the grass so soapy water soaks into the ground or take it to a car wash place. Use a hose nozzle to prevent water from running when not in use (detergents will infiltrate through the soils instead of flowing directly into the creek).
  • Minimize or eliminate your use of pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn.
  • Using the Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste program for the proper disposal of hazardous materials or call (269) 373-5211.