Business Pollution Prevention

How to Decrease the Impact My Business Has on Stormwater Pollution

Properly Maintain Dumpsters:

• Cover dumpsters to prevent insects, animals, and rainwater from getting in.
• Keep the area around the dumpster clear of trash and debris and do not overfill it.
• Make sure the cleanout plug has not been removed.
• Call you trash hauler to replace a leaking dumpster

Pick Up Litter & Sweep Parking Lots & Sidewalks on a Regular Basis:

• Litter from shoppers can be reduced by providing and maintaining trash cans and cigarette butt collectors. If you see that you have a problem, install signs as a reminder.
• Do not hose down sidewalks or parking lots.

Don't Dump Any Trash Into the Storm Drain.

• Contact your area sanitation department to find out what is acceptable for general trash disposal.
• For the removal of hazardous chemicals or materials, contact a licensed hauler.

Don't Dump Any Sweepings or Liquid Waste on the Ground, in the Street, or Into a Storm Drain:

• Even materials that seem harmless, like latex paint, mop water, or biodegradable cleaners, can harm the environment.
• Remember, what goes into a storm drain will be discharged into a creek or stream, which will eventually end up in our area lake or major river system.

Automotive Businesses

How to Decrease the Impact My Business Has on Stormwater Pollution

• Change vehicle fluids indoors and only on floors constructed of non-porous material, or only in areas where spills can be captured and disposed of properly.
• Avoid working over asphalt and dirt sources that absorb vehicle fluids.
• If vehicle fluids must be removed outdoors, always use a drip pan.
• Transfer fluids drained from vehicles to a designated waste storage area as soon as possible.
• Never pour vehicle fluids or other hazardous waste into storm drains, sanitary sewers, or into dumpsters where they could leak out. These substances should be kept in designated waste storage containers until recycled or disposed of properly.
• Designate specific areas or service bays for engine parts or radiator cleaning. Do not wash or rinse parts outdoors.
• Use self-contained sinks and tanks when working with solvents.

Keeping a Clean Shop

• Good housekeeping makes it easier to detect spills and potential problems.
• Never hose down or pressure wash work areas unless the resulting wash water is contained, treated, and disposed of properly.
• Sweep or vacuum the shop floor frequently. Pick up sweepings and dispose of them in a trash receptacle. Use mopping as an alternative to hosing down work areas. Mop water must be disposed of properly.
• Keep parking lots clean in order to prevent mobilization of oils, residues, and debris by subsequent rainfall.
• Residue from the sanding of fillers is a common auto body shop pollutant-it should be collected and disposed of properly.
• Collect all metal filings, dust, and paint chips form grinding, shaving, and sanding, and dispose of the waste properly.
• Use drip pans under leaking vehicles to capture fluids.
• Keep fully stocked spill kits available at all times and make sure that employees know when and how to use them.

Construction Businesses

How to Decrease the Impact My Business Has on Stormwater Pollution

• Create storm drain inlet protection by surrounding all storm drain inlets with rock and/or silt fence material to filter out trash, debris, and sediment.

*Install and maintain construction entrances.

*Install and maintain concrete washout areas within the site, outside of drainage ways.