Stormwater - Business and Industry

City Website Homepage

 

Quick Email Links

 

 

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Business and Industry

Industry and business activities, such as cleaning dumpster areas, chemical and materials handling and storage, and food service create waste products that often find their way into our stormwater system. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent pollution by following these best management practices to protect our environment and public health.

Put into Practice - Advanced Pollution Protection

  • Modify standard procedures to eliminate or reduce waste that may be carried by the stormwater system.
  • Designate storage areas located away from entryways to the stormwater system for equipment and hazardous materials.
  • Educate employees about stormwater pollution, pollution management requirements and pollution prevention responsibilities.
  • Control runoff from parking lots and any open areas located at your facility.

Cleaning up & Preventing Spills

  • Do not hose down a surface such as patios, sidewalks, or garages into streets or parking lots. It is best to dry sweep regularly.
  • When draining or pouring fluids use a funnel and drip pan.
  • Instead of using water to clean dry spills, use a broom.
  • Create containment traps to catch spills or leaks that may occur during operations at a loading dock.
  • Prepare spill containment and clean-up kits that include safety equipment for both wet and dry spill cleanup.
  • Never wash restaurant or food industry-related equipment outdoors.

Dumpster Areas

  • Keep dumpster lids closed.
  • Keep areas around the dumpster clean. Dry sweep dumpster areas regularly.  Do not hose down your dumpster or dumpster area into streets or parking lots.
  • Cover, repair or replace leaky dumpsters or compactors.

Disposal of Hazardous Waste

  • Take non-recyclable materials to a landfill, or dispose of as hazardous waste, as appropriate.
  • For paint recycling contact (520) 458-5775, and disposal information for other waste contact the Cochise County Transfer Station at (520) 452-9805.

Tips for Charitable Car Washes

  • Remove all debris from the vicinity of the event.
  • Use only nontoxic, phosphate free or biodegradable soap or chemicals.
  • Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners.
  • If using conventional "hose and bucket" methods use the following tips to minimize runoff:
    • Use a spray nozzle on the hose to reduce runoff.
    • Select a washing area where vehicles can be on grass or gravel, or an area where runoff will drain to a landscaped area.
    • Use buckets of soapy water, rather than applying soap directly to rags or sponges.  This will reduce the amount of soap used and avoid contaminating runoff.
    • Wring out sponges and rags into buckets, not onto ground.
    • Clean up all of debris following the event.
    • Do not empty water waste onto the parking lot or into washes.

For more information check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater

 

Quick Contacts/Sources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Best Management Practices: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Southern Regional Office
(520) 628-6733 or (888) 271-9302