Environmental Protection
Our Environmental Impact
Environmental protection is important to our campus and our community. At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, we focus on minimizing our impact to the environment by strictly adhering to appropriate rules and regulations. We encourage all employees, students and community members to recognize their role in protection efforts and continuously strive to minimize potentially negative effects.
Air
UHCL currently has no air emission generating processes that require an air permit. Activities at UHCL are covered under exemptions such as those for Emergency Generators, Motor Vehicle refueling under the quantities required for Stage II Vapor Recovery, and Laboratory & Research activities.
Storm Water
Protect our Bayous and Stormwater! Storm water is the water that flows over the ground after it rains, sleets or snows. It can become polluted as it runs over ground surfaces and flows into our waterways. What’s on our lawns, roads, buildings and parking lots flows with it, carrying fertilizer, pet waste, trash, oil, etc. into our rivers, lakes, and streams. UHCL stormwater drains into Horsepen Bayou, which has been declared an impaired water body. The pollutant of concern is bacteria, specifically Enterococci. Texas public water ways are used and treated to provide drinking water.
Any kind of littering or dumping on campus or in our waterways is illegal. Report Spills and any Dumping immediately to EHS at (281) 283-2106; and Police at (281) 283-2222—this is our stormwater emergency number, monitored 24/7.
UHCL has a Stormwater Management Plan, which includes the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
The Cities of Pasadena and Houston, Harris County, and Clear Lake Water Authority all have vested interest in stormwater quality, and have their own stormwater permits encompassing their city or jurisdiction limits.
- Stormwater and Drainage - Clear Lake Water Authority – Clear Lake Water Authority's (CLWA) website. CLWA manages a stormwater plan and flood control plan for the areas they serve.
- Clean Water Clear Choice – Harris County Task force for management of storm water pollutants. Contains information for residents, kids, and businesses.
- City of Pasadena MS4 with Stormwater Annual Report – The Pasadena Stormwater Annual Report indicates the entities and bayou discharge points within their city limits and inspection area.
For more information: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.