Emergency Response/Spill Clean-Up

Protecting Groundwater from Pollution

Spill prevention and response plays a key role in preventing contaminants from impacting groundwater and has been incorporated into the University’s Groundwater Protection Plan as required by regulations (401 KAR 5:037). In addition to these requirements, the University’s Stormwater (MS4) Permit prohibits the discharge of materials resulting from a spill, requires a mechanism for the public reporting of spills and other discharges, and requires the investigation of any complaints, reports, or monitoring information that indicate a potential spill, illicit discharge, or illegal dumping. Also, Oil Pollution Prevention regulations call for the prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharges as well as require the development and implementation of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans. The Groundwater program works in conjunction with the Stormwater and SPCC programs to protect water quality through our Illicit Discharge and Spill Response Programs.

Spills vs Illicit Discharges

A spill is any release of material that threatens human health or the environment. An illicit discharge is a discharge of non-stormwater to the storm sewer system. A spill becomes an illicit discharge once it enters the storm sewer system. Our Illicit Discharge section provides more detailed information on the difference between the two.

Illicit Discharge	Spill

Spill Plans and Response

The University’s goal is to prevent spills from occurring and to contain them if they do occur in order to prevent an illicit discharge. Visit our Spill Plans and Response Section to learn more about spills, how the University responds, and what resources are available.