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Stormwater Pollution Prevention

The University at Albany is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. One of the key area where members of the University Community can have a positive impact in reducing pollution is in stormwater management.

Stormwater Management is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC regulates stormwater discharges by General Permit in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Law. The University at Albany, classified as a Non-Traditional Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is required to have policy, procedures and programs to manage stormwater runoff to protect waterways from pollutants. Pollutants can consist of chemicals from lawn fertilizers, vehicles, illicit discharges, animal waste, and sediments from soil erosion. The Permit requires that Annual Reports submitted to the DEC. The Reports contain accounting with the stormwater management program, facilities operation and maintenance, and construction compliance.

The University has an established Stormwater Management Policy, Stormwater Management Plan, (SWMP), Stormwater Programs and Stormwater Procedures, which are accessible by the links on this site. There is also a link for the Annual Reports that have been prepared and submitted to the DEC. The Office of Code Administration prepares the Annual Reports, with a draft presented on this website in May for public comment, then finalized in June for submission to the DEC as a joint report with the Stormwater Coalition of Albany County. See the link below for information on the Coalition.

The SWMP, developed in coordination with the Stormwater Coalition, provides information on the University’s goals, plans on how the University will meet the General Permit requirements, and Best Management Practices (BMP’s). The SWMP is available by the link on this webpage.

The University at Albany Stormwater Management Program is administered by the Facilities Management, Office of Code Administration. Responsibilities include monitoring operation and maintenance of all stormwater facilities, inspection of treatment practices, review of project plans, and providing initiative for green infrastructure practices. Should you have any questions, concerns or would like information, please contact:

Karl Kilts, Director Code Administration [email protected]

Brad Bunzey, Stormwater Management Program Coordinator [email protected]
Phone: 518-442-3400

Hazardous Waste Spills and reporting

Chemical and hazardous waste spills are very damaging to surface waters. The spills enter the storm sewer system and eventually discharge to nearby streams and rivers. If you see a spill, or observe someone dumping waste into the storm sewers, call the Campus emergency phone numbers. Emergency crews will be dispatched to contain the spill, and in extreme cases, the DEC will be contacted and companies specializing in hazardous waste spills will be brought in for containment and cleanup. To report a spill:

Emergency Contact Information University Office of Environmental Health and Safety: 518 442-3495 or

University Power Plant 24-hour emergency line: 518 442-3444.

NYSDEC Spill Hotline: 1-800-457-7362

Any substance, such as motor oil, anti-freeze, brake or transmission fluid, gasoline, etc. which can pollute our waterways, could ultimately get to the Hudson River if it enters the storm water catch basins on our roadways and parking lots.

If you spill or leak motor oil, anti-freeze, brake or transmission fluid, gasoline, etc. from your vehicle, call the emergency phone numbers immediately

  • Do not place any automotive fluids (oils, anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluids, gasoline, etc.) into the storm water catch basins, rather collect the used fluid in a suitable container and contact EH&S or the Power Plant for proper disposal;
  • Repair any source for fluid leaks from your vehicle

Click on the following links for additional stormwater information

Stormwater Coalition of Albany County
Green Infrastructure
Parker Pond
Stormwater Management Process for Construction Projects