Storm Water Pollution Prevention Is Everybody's Business!

• Best Management Practices for Businesses & Residents

What You Can Do

1. Cover areas where potential pollutants are stored.
2. Seal leaking storage containers and dumpsters.
3. Prevent spills and leaks. Clean up promptly when they occur.
4. Sweep parking lots and outdoor storage areas regularly.
5. Maintain landscaping properly.
6. Recycle or dispose of fluids properly.
7. Wash vehicles and equipment in designated areas only.
8. Label and inspect storm drain inlets.
9. Check for and seal floor drains or piping that carry wastewater to storm drains.
10. Educate customers and train employees to implement storm water pollution prevention practices.

1. Cover areas where potential pollutants are stored.
   Store pollutants such as trash, grease, paints, chemicals, and metals to minimize contact with stormwater or water from other sources. Keep these materials covered, labeled, and stored in appropriate containers.

2. Seal leaking storage containers and dumpsters.
   Prevent substances like grease, liquids, and food products from coming into contact with rainfall and entering the storm drains. Contact local scavenger company for replacement of leaking dumpsters.

3. Prevent spills and leaks. Clean up promptly when they occur.
   Maintain a regular inspection and repair schedule for vehicles and equipment. Clean any spill promptly, not allowing them to evaporate. Clean spills without water whenever possible. Rags, damp mops, and dry absorbent materials are recommended for cleanup. Dispose of any spill waste properly.

4. Sweep parking lots and outdoor storage areas regularly.
   Sweep these areas at least once per week to maintain a debris-free facility. Pick up and dispose of debris, do not sweep it into the gutter or storm drain inlet. Never hose off paved surfaces.

5. Maintain landscaping properly.
   Pick up and properly dispose of trimmings and clippings, don't sweep or blow wastes into the gutter or storm drain inlet. Avoid over-irrigation and over-application of herbicides and pesticides that could be toxic to wildlife in local creeks and wetlands.

6. Recycle or dispose of fluids properly.
   Recycle automotive fluids, solvents, and cleaners or dispose of them as hazardous materials.

7. Wash vehicles and equipment in designated areas only.
   Wash areas must be paved and fitted to drain only to sanitary sewers. A permit may be required to connect and discharge to the sanitary sewer. A commercial car wash may be an alternative if your facility is not properly equipped.

8. Label and inspect storm drain inlets.
   Stenciling storm drain inlets on your property alerts employees and customers that no dumping is allowed. Prevent accumulated pollutants from washing down storm drains on your property by inspecting drains monthly, or more often as needed, and removing and properly disposing of any debris.

9. Check for and seal floor drains or piping that carry wastewater to storm drains.
   Any discharged wastewater must be carried by the sanitary sewer to a treatment plant, never by storm drains to local creeks and wetlands. A permit may be required to connect and discharge to the sanitary sewer.

10. Educate customers and train employees to implement storm water pollution prevention practices.
    Post notices of appropriate practices, provide convenient disposal containers, and train employees to implement these pollution prevention practices.

This page has been adapted from the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program’s General BMPs for Everyone. This material was originally prepared by the City of Richmond, which is gratefully acknowledged.