TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will host community meetings April 14 at 9 a.m. and April 20 at 5 p.m. to discuss pollution prevention and concerns.

UA, regulated as a small municipal storm system separate from Tuscaloosa city and county, is working with city representatives to manage storm water and reduce pollution.

The meetings will include discussions about public education and involvement, pollution prevention, detection of illicit discharges and management of construction sites. They will be held in the Office of EHS on Research Drive, behind Shelby Hall on the UA campus. Members of the University and West Alabama communities are invited to attend.

Storm water runoff is rain that flows off streets, roofs and lawns. The water, carrying pesticides, fertilizers, oil and other pollutants, flows through a storm sewer into nearby waterways.

The UA storm water program is working to slow down water, decreasing its ability to cause erosion and carry pollutants.

“Some people don’t understand how they can impact storm water management,” said Hal Barrett, director of the UA Office of EHS. “The amount of pollution that one person can prevent may seem small, but add that to hundreds of others and it can be a big difference.”

Tips to decrease storm water pollution include:

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly
• Use organic mulch
• Keep areas clear of litter and debris
• Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated recycling facilities
• Properly maintain vehicles to prevent oil, gas and other fluids from leaking

For more information, contact Barrett at 205/348-5905 or ehs@bama.ua.edu.