Parking Garage Wash Downs

Facility washdowns are conducted on an annual basis at the Bear Park North and Bear Park South parking garages on the Missouri State University campus, typically in August prior to the start of the fall semester. These washdowns are performed such that there is no discharge into storm sewers; all wash water is captured and discharged into the sanitary sewers. No chemicals are used in the washing operation.

MSU's Grounds department manages the washdown operation, and coordinates with Springfield Sewer Operations personnel prior to discharging into the sanitary sewers. The volume of water discharged is provided to Springfield Public Works department for billing purposes. Periodic sampling of the wash water may be required by the city.

At Bear Park South a subsurface valve is used to redirect water from the storm drain to the sanitary drain. At Bear Park North the storm box immediately north of Cherry Street and east of the Park N Ride loop is plugged to capture wash water, which is subsequently pumped into the sanitary sewer manhole located adjacent to the west side of the south entrance to Lot 37.