Stormwater Management
At NC State University, stormwater isn’t just runoff—it’s a vital part of our campus ecosystem that requires thoughtful management and community care. Environmental Health and Public Safety (EHPS) oversees a comprehensive stormwater program designed to reduce pollution, support regulatory compliance, and safeguard local waterways. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff, your role in managing stormwater is key. Explore this page to report concerns, access forms, understand our stormwater jurisdiction, and learn how you can help protect the environment every time it rains.
Report an illicit discharge at this number: 9195151511
Explore our Stormwater Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stormwater?
How do we manage stormwater?
What is an illicit discharge?
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off landscaped, paved, or other surfaces; it is commonly transported through municipal storm sewer systems and often discharged, untreated into local lakes and streams.
Stormwater is a major pathway for pollutants (sediment, nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, oil, heavy metals, etc.) to enter the aquatic environment. These pollutants degrade water quality which harms aquatic organisms and restricts recreational activities (swimming, fishing, etc.).
How do we manage it?
Under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, NC State University has a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The permit authorizes the University to discharge stormwater runoff to local streams and requires the University to develop a Stormwater Management Program.
The primary components of the Stormwater Management Program include the following: Education and Outreach, Public Involvement and Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC), Post-Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping.
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge is anything that is not pure rainwater that can enter our storm drains and waterways, where it can be detrimental to humans and the environment. They can include things like paint, chemicals, oil, grease, dishwater, disturbed soils from construction activity, and much more. To learn more about illicit discharges, please visit the Education and Public Participation segment of NC State’s Stormwater Management Program.
If you notice an illicit discharge please call: 9195151511
If the incident involves a large spill of fuel or other hazardous material(s), call 911.