Yes. the university has implemented a watershed management strategy that is location specific to protect aquatic diversity outlined in the stormwater management permit.
Details can be found in the Stormwater Program document. The purpose of the Penn State Stormwater Program is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the University and its watershed. Minimizing the harm to the watershed and aquatic species by managing stormwater from campus is accomplished through provisions designed to:
- manage stormwater runoff impacts at their source by regulating activities that cause the problems and by using minimum structural controls;
- relying on natural processes;
- utilize and preserve the existing natural drainage systems as much as possible;
- focus on infiltration of stormwater, to maintain groundwater recharge, to prevent degradation of surface and groundwater quality and to otherwise protect water resources;
- maintain existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses; and
- prevent scour and erosion of stream banks and streambeds.
An example of a strategy included are limitations on temperature of stormwater discharge to the environment to protect the downstream cold water fishery known as Spring Creek. An overview of Spring Creek explains how it interacts with campus, and the stream conditions report reflects impacts of discharges.
Learn more about Penn State’s Progress on SDG 14 HERE.
