Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater or snowmelt flows over roofs, roads, parking lots, and other surfaces without soaking into the ground. As runoff travels across campus, it can collect pollutants such as oil, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, trash, and other contaminants before entering nearby streams, rivers, wetlands, and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is committed to protecting water quality through effective stormwater management practices that reduce pollution, minimize erosion, and promote environmental stewardship. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) collaborates with Facilities Management, other Physical Plant departments, contractors, and the campus community to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system through proper material handling, spill prevention, good housekeeping, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Protecting stormwater is a shared responsibility, and every member of the campus community plays an important role by properly disposing of waste, reporting spills promptly, minimizing pollutants outdoors, and remembering that only rain should enter storm drains.
