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Water Quality Management

Storm water run-off is one of the leading causes of water quality problems. Storm water carries debris and pollutants directly into our water sources, which can endanger the lives of humans, animals, and plant life. Managing storm water run-off helps eliminate and/or reduce these negative impacts. Illinois State University's storm water runoff is included in the Town of Normal Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP).

The Town of Normal has two watersheds located in McLean County. A watershed is a basin-like landform defined by highpoints and ridgelines that descend into lower elevations and stream valleys. A watershed carries water from the land after rains falls and snow melts. How we manage pollutants that could be transported to watersheds affects water quality for all communities within the surrounding area. For more information about ISU watersheds, visit the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices for Evergreen Lake and Lake Bloomington watersheds.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Storm water discharges from construction site activities at Illinois State University are covered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's General NPDES Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Site Activities.

Any construction or renovation project that will result in the following will necessitate IEPA applications, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and reporting requirements.

  • The disturbance of one or more acres of total land area, or
  • A construction site less than one acre of total land area that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale if the larger common plan will ultimately disturb one or more acres total land area.

If a project meets the above criteria, contact Environmental Health and Safety at (309) 438-8325 or sysenvironmental@IllinoisState.edu to discuss the necessary plan of action to ensure compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements.

For more information about the Clean Water Act and storm water requirements, visit the IEPA Storm Water Requirements website.