Drains in St. Joseph Hall

In August of 2001 Mount Saint John Facilities was presented with a report from the Ohio EPA regarding the protection of the sources of drinking water at Mount Saint John. In this report there are a number of suggestions to safeguard the sources of the campus drinking water. The report states that the property as a whole “has a moderate susceptibility to contamination due to the sensitive nature of the aquifer in which the drinking water well is located and the presence of potential contaminant sources”.

This policy addresses one of the potential contaminant sources identified by the Ohio EPA, which are the drains in the older section of St. Joseph Hall. (i.e., not including Gallery Saint John or the Sun and Stars Art Studios.)

Not all of the sinks and floor drains in St. Joseph Hall are properly connected to sanitary sewer lines. When the building was built, the proper building codes were not followed; therefore, a number of sinks and floor drains drain to storm sewer lines, which empty into the storm drainage ditch just west of St. Joseph Hall. This allows for the potential of chemicals and other unwanted materials to seep into the groundwater aquifer.

In the summer of 2001 a plumbing contractor was hired to disconnect the sink in the garage and install a properly connected PVC double laundry tray in the carpenter shop. At that same time, several drain lines were properly connected to the sanitary sewer.

Currently, the following are still connected to storm sewers: The MEEC sink in their “mud room” is connected to a storm sewer line instead of a sanitary sewer line and should not be used to drain anything but water. All of the floor drains in the garage areas, carpenter shop, and storage area remain connected to the storm sewer lines instead of the sanitary sewer lines as well.

The subsequent protective strategies indicated in the report by the Ohio EPA concerning these improperly connected drains are to be followed:

1. Fuel, paints, and solvents should be stored in a protected, secure location away from drains.

2. Grease, oil, or chemicals should not be washed into storm drains.

3. Chemical spills (even small ones) should be cleaned up immediately.

4. Spill material (cat litter or sawdust) should be available.

5. If the storm drain drains to the ground and is in a loading area or other areas that could receive leaks and spills, the drain should be plugged during loading or unloading operations.

6. Employees should be trained on proper spill cleanup.

7. Trucks and vehicles should not be washed in the garage.

8. Be aware and conscious of liquids used and stored in the garage. Liquids are to be contained and recycled properly rather than dumped down the drain.