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The University hosts a number of food service establishments. It is the vendors’ responsibility to make sure the waste as-sociated with their establishments is managed properly. No trash, food, or liquids should be disposed on the ground or allowed to enter the storm water drainage system. All cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal should be recycled and the remaining solid waste should be placed in the trash or compost bin if available. Foodservice establishments should collect their kitchen grease for separate disposal. All wastewater and unwanted consumable liquids from outdoor establishments should be emptied into designated collection drums or be discharged to the sanitary sewer from designated manhole. The pluming of indoor establishments should be routed through a grease trap before discharge to the sanitary sewer.

No wash water from indoor or outdoor cleaning activities should be allowed to enter the storm water drainage system. The wash water generated from outdoor washing activities can contain oil, grease, solvents, detergents, metals, sediments, and other contaminants that can harm the environment. Common outdoor cleaning activities include kitchen vent cleaning, equipment and vehicle wash down, masonry cleaning, and window washing. Contact EHS at (313) 593-6679 for assistance in evaluating your wash water disposal options.

Vehicle fluids such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze are toxicto the environment. With thousands of vehicles in use on cam-pus, small spills and drips can add up to large problems. Al-ways clean up all drips and spills immediately and avoid top-ping off the fuel tank when fueling your vehicle or equipment.

One of them is the sanitary sewer system, which delivers the wastewater from our homes, offices, and other buildings to the wastewater treatment plant before it is discharged to the Detroit River.

The other system is the storm water drainage system, which is intended to prevent flooding by quickly diverting rain water and snow melt away from areas where we do not want standing pools of water. Unlike the sanitary sewer system, the storm water drainage system does not provide treatment for the water. All water that flows down the storm drains is discharged directly into the Rouge River. As the water quickly flows over streets and sidewalks, it can carry other materials with it down the drain. Care must be taken to prevent this from happening because the river is the source of drinking water for many communities. If the contaminants are carried into the river, they have the potential to harm the plants, animals that inhabit it and to degrade the quality of our drinking water. 

To prevent sediment from entering the storm drainage system, all activities involving earthwork must have plans and procedures in place to control soil erosion and sedimentation. Common controls include filter fabric, silt fences, wheel washes, and street sweepers. All controls being used should undergo inspection or maintenance at least once per week and after every rain event. For additional information contact EHS at (313) 593-6679.

Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides have the potential to cause significant harm to the environment. People who apply herbicides and pesticides on campus must be certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. To minimize the risks associated with these materials, mix and apply them away from the storm drains as recommended by the manufacturer and avoid applying them to paved surfaces where they have the potential to wash down storm drains. When using pesticides, choose a “pest specific” product with a half-life shorter than 21 days. When storing these materials, always use leak proof tubs or buckets to prevent spills. In the event of a spill, immediately call (313) 593-5333 for spill cleanup guidance and assistance.

EHS manages the disposal of all toxic, hazardous, and radioactive wastes on campus. Please call EHS at (313) 593-6679 for assistance.

Never pour anything down the drain located outside and promptly report any discharges or dumping to the storm water drainage system. Some materials of concern include construction site waste, vehicle waste fluids, cleaning waste, laboratory waste, paint, and consumable products.

The UM-Dearborn Department of Environmental, Health and Safety at (313) 593-6679.

The UM-Dearborn Department of Public Safety at(313) 593-5333 from a cell phone or 911 from a campus phone for after hours or in an emergency.