Yes, Penn State has water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges in the form of a policy which “prohibits the disposal of materials that could adversely affect the general public or wastewater personnel in the course of their work; could interfere with the operation of the University Sanitary Sewer system; could pass through inadequately treated into the environment.”

For details, see SY40 Disposal of Pollutants in University Sanitary Systems which outlines water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges. It provides guidance on the proper use of the University Sanitary System at all locations of The Pennsylvania State University.  This policy is designed to protect the general public or wastewater personnel, the operation of the University Sanitary Sewer system, the environment, and the safe reuse and recycling of wastewater and sludge.    

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program is a partnership with the state government Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Penn State. It requires all entities which operate separate stormwater systems to implement stormwater management programs.  

The University developed a comprehensive Centre Region MS4 Partners Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) that addresses the Chesapeake Bay and impaired waters for nutrient and/or sediment requirements in the Spring Creek and Spruce Creek watersheds jointly with the local MS4 partners. The Spring Creek MS4 Partners that developed the PRP consist of the University, the State College Borough, and College, Harris, Ferguson, and Patton Townships. The MS4 Partners also maintain a stormwater website. The University’s MS4 permit establishes effluent limitations to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable.