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Regulations & Policies

Administration and Finance

I. OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this regulation is to prohibit illicit discharges to the ³ÉÈË´óƬ's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) in compliance with Phase II of the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.

II. STATEMENT OF REGULATION

A. Background

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates illicit discharges to surface waters in the state of Florida. In an effort to address this type of pollution, stormwater management regulations were established to reduce the impact of contaminated stormwater runoff from MS4s, which systems include ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff that do not connect with a sanitary wastewater collection system or treatment plant.

Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Section 62-624, the ³ÉÈË´óƬ (UNF) is required to comply with these stormwater management regulations.  Accordingly, ³ÉÈË´óƬis required to prohibit illicit discharges. An illicit discharge is any discharge to the ³ÉÈË´óƬcampus storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, with the exceptions of State recognized exclusions or activities covered by a specific discharge permit.  Examples include:  run-off from construction sites, car washing in parking lots and chemical spills that enter a storm drain or retention pond.

B. Roles and Responsibilities

1. ³ÉÈË´óƬPresident: Pursuant to UNF's Board of Trustees' Resolution on Presidential Authority, the President of the University has the authority, responsibility, and duty to confirm that ³ÉÈË´óƬis in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and requirements and to minimize University risk and manage the University's risk management program.

2. Employees, Students, Contractors, and Visitors: It is the obligation of ³ÉÈË´óƬemployees, students, contractors, and visitors to:

   1. refrain from discharging any illicit materials into the ³ÉÈË´óƬstorm sewer system; and
   2. report any observed illicit discharges to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) or the University Police Department (UPD).

3. Colleges, Departments, Units, and Contractors: It is the obligation of ³ÉÈË´óƬDeans, Chairs, Directors, and contractors to:

   1. take appropriate actions to ensure that illicit materials are not discharged to the ³ÉÈË´óƬstorm sewer system in the course of activities related to their operations or the operations of those working under their purview;
   2. ensure that if an illicit discharge is discovered within a College's, Department's, unit's, or contractor's jurisdiction, it will ensure that the discharge has ceased and that appropriate measures have been taken to remediate the situation;
   3. report all illicit discharges to ³ÉÈË´óƬEH&S or UPD; and
   4. bear the financial responsibility of remediating any environmental contamination resulting from illicit discharges related to their activities or the activities of those working under their purview.

4. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S): It is the obligation of ³ÉÈË´óƬEH&S to:

   1. respond to all reports of illicit discharges and take necessary actions to mitigate releases, including procuring and directing cleanup operations, and, if required remedial actions are beyond the ability of EH&S, contact a contractor to complete the remediation;
   2. notify environmental authorities, as required by law, in the event of an illicit discharge;
   3. provide guidance to the ³ÉÈË´óƬcommunity regarding the prevention of illicit discharges.

Specific Authority:F.A.C. 62-624. History – new and approved by BOT 10/11/18; Amended and approved by BOT 06/13/24.

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