University of North Carolina Charlotte Stormwater Management Plan & Small MS4 Phase II NPDES Application

Project Description

Biohabitats has worked closely with UNC Charlotte to prepare for the rapid growth that the campus expects to undergo over the next decades. During the next 20 years, the University anticipates a large increase in enrollment and is also planning to add a light rail route and a new football stadium. This growth means that the current campus infrastructure must be aggressively retooled. Historically, stormwater management practices have been implemented on a building-by-building basis. The University now plans to obtain its own Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and take a campus-wide approach to stormwater planning and implementation.

To support the University’s goals, Biohabitats crafted a management plan for the MS4 permit application process. The plan elucidates the wealth of sound management already implemented on campus and also provides guidance on improvements that could be made to fully comply with the MS4 requirements. Biohabitats first reviewed current University operations, maintenance activities, and stormwater-related policies. This understanding of stormwater management was deepened by interviews with key staff members. Biohabitats then facilitated the permit application process with the State and local regulators, and developed a program structure that satisfies regulations, is feasible for the University, and will provide water quality and ecological benefits to the surrounding areas. In addition, Biohabitats worked with Stewart Engineering to develop stormwater master plans focusing on green infrastructure for two areas of the campus.