Business Best Management Practices 

You can control pollutant discharges to the storm drain by implementing common sense housekeeping measures also called Best Management Practices (BMPs).

The objectives are to keep pollutants from contacting rain, and keep pollutants from being dumped or poured into the storm drains. The goal is to eliminate storm water pollution by placing “only rain in the storm drain.”

Will your business:

• Store any raw materials?

• Generate trash, waste materials or wastewater?

• Use or maintain vehicles?

• Use or maintain equipment outside?

• Transfer any liquids to containers transported to or from your site?

• Carry out any remodeling activities to your site?

• Or do any washing activity outdoors?

If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, you need to consider the first group of BMPs listed below. You will also need to consider the second group of BMPs during normal business activities when your business is operational.

BEFORE YOU LEASE OR BUY, consider the following:

• Is a sanitary hookup readily available?

• Will an onsite treatment system be required by the local wastewater treatment agency prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer?

• If floor mats, equipment or vehicles need to be cleaned, is a wash pad or enclosed area that is plumbed to the sanitary sewer available?

• Is there sufficient room inside buildings for storage of raw materials, waste materials, equipment or parts?

• Are other methods readily available for protecting outdoor materials from rainfall?

• Are the material transfer areas (for example, loading docks, receiving areas, etc.) covered or protected from rain?

• Are you prepared to protect inlets and storm drains in case of a spill?

DURING NORMAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, implement the following BMPs:

• Store all materials and stored trash in areas protected from rain, runoff and wind.

• Keep all storage containers free from cracks and leaks.

• Keep all work areas clean and free from trash and debris.

• Establish a Spill Clean-Up Plan for liquid and solid materials, and use dry cleaning methods rather than pressure washing materials to the storm drains.

• Handle all materials carefully to avoid spills.

• All wastewater from manufacturing, cleaning, and washing must be either contained and recycled or disposed to the sanitary sewer. The wastewater may have to be treated to remove pollutants prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer. Contact your local wastewater treatment agency for their requirements.

• Wash floor mats, equipment and vehicles in a designated and/or covered area where wash water is collected for recycling or for discharging to the sanitary sewer.

• Dispose of all wastes properly. Recycle whenever possible.