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Storm Water
Other UCSC Links: Site Created by Maintained by cleanwater@ucsc.edu
© 2006 UC Santa Cruz
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What's a BMP?The term "Best Management Practice," or BMP, originated in the Clean Water Act of 1972, and is now commonly used in the language of environmental management. The EPA, the agency in charge of administering the Clean Water Act, gives this definition of storm water management BMPs: "A BMP is a technique, process, activity, or structure used to reduce the pollutant content of a storm water discharge. BMPs include simple nonstructural methods, such as good housekeeping and preventive maintenance. BMPs may also include structural modifications, such as the installation of bioretention measures. BMPs are most effective when used in combination with each other, and customized to meet the specific needs (drainage, materials, activities, etc.) of a given operation. The focus of EPA's general permits is on preventive BMPs, which limit the release of pollutants into storm water discharges. BMPs can also function as treatment controls." The Environmental Protection Agency has developed an extensive menu of storm water BMPs, and the UC Santa Cruz Storm Water Management Plan incorporates those that are appropriate to our campus. Others were taken from sources such as the California Stormwater Quality Association Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) Handbooks, and the City of Santa Cruz Storm Water Program. Our BMPs are selected to address our identified potential storm water pollutants within the context of the University's organizational structure and unique natural environment. Explore the full menu of our BMPs here! |
