To protect the built environment from flooding and structural damage 
storm water must be conveyed away from the built environment. Varied 
infrastructure is used to collect, transport and disperse storm water.

S&E Library                  Communications Building

Downspouts collect and drain water from 
rooftops. They may be connected to a 
drain inlet at ground level or if environmental 
conditions allow they may flow to a swale, 
the landscape or other surfaces.
Science & Engineering Library
Science & Engineering Library

Science & Engineering Library
Thimann Lecture Hall       Earth & Marine Sciences

Exterior paved surfaces and 
landscaping near buildings may 
be punctuated by several types 
of storm drain inlets and/or 
catch basins. See photos above 
and on the left.


Catch basins in roads and some 
other surfaces may have design 
features that capture pollutants. 
Catch basins equipped with an 
outflow pipe elevated (typically 
12 inches) above the bottom of 
the basin allows for settling of 
heavier materials such as dirt.
Earth & Marine Sciences
Earth & Marine Sciences

While an outflow pipe equipped with a down turned elbow draws water from below 
the water surface and allows for suspended materials such as oils, Styrofoam 
and other floating litter to be retained. In roadways and other areas subject to 
vehicle traffic, oil absorbent socks are used to capture petroleum products that 
would otherwise be washed into the environment. All of these design features 
require periodic inspections and maintenance in order to maintain system 
effectiveness.
Thimann
Storm drain inlets and access points 
(cleanouts) may be marked "Storm".
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