Industrial and commercial businesses can become contributors to stormwater pollution if proper care is not taken to implement Best Management Practices. Reducing pollutant exposure to stormwater and having a facility stormwater pollution prevention plan will get you on your way to making a difference. Remember, Only Rain in the Storm Drain!
Equipment Maintenance
Fuel, oil, grease, and hydraulic fluids from equipment can be carried by stormwater offsite. Keeping equipment properly maintained and performing maintenance activities in a designated shop area can help prevent spills. Keeping a spill kit is another essential step toward keeping it clean.
Waste Disposal
Dispose of wastes properly and keep waste bins covered. Rain entering uncovered dumpsters can become contaminated and since waste containers are not watertight, leaks can make their way to the storm drain system.
Details on proper hazardous waste disposal can be found on the Report page.
Chemical Storage
Protecting stored chemicals from exposure to stormwater, and implementing secondary containment to can catch and retain any spills or leaks are both very effective BMPs.
Spill Prevention and Response
Most facilities must maintain a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans. Know when and who to contact in the event of a spill that leaves the property or contaminates soil. Keep a spill kit on hand and clean up spills when they occur.
Site Landscaping
Fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, and green waste can wash into and pollute local waterways. Reduce the risk of this occurring by reading the labels of each product used, following application recommendations, and taking measures to prevent over-application.
Specific landscaping techniques also effectively reduce runoff pollution. Check out One Truckee River‘s guidance on designing a River-Friendly Yard. Also, learn how to design vegetated swales and rain gardens in the Low Impact Development Manual.
Irrigation
Over irrigating can waste water and cause runoff into the storm drain. Reducing over-watering can save money and prevent the washing of fertilizers and lawn chemicals to the storm drain. Green business practices can include changes to landscaping which incorporate Low Impact Development concepts and water conservation principles.
Check out One Truckee River‘s guidance on designing a River-Friendly Yard.
Permits
Your business may be required to obtain a stormwater permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. Your permit will allow you to discharge stormwater to the MS4 as long as BMPs are utilized at your site. Read further about Industrial Permits and contact NDEP for further information.
BMP Resources
Industrial and commercial BMP information is found in the Industrial and Commercial Stormwater Best Management Practices Handbook or contact your local inspector.