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Best Management Practices
Storm Water Protection
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are procedures and practices that can be implemented to prevent pollutants and other hazardous materials from entering storm drains.
Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer and therefore, the water flowing through them has no treatment prior to discharge to creeks, lagoons and the ocean. The primary purpose of storm drains is to carry rainwater away from developed areas to prevent flooding. Pollutants must be reduced and/or removed BEFORE they enter the storm drain system.
Prevention
- Minimize the use of lawn and garden care products such as pesticides, insecticides, weed killers, fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals.
- Avoid over-irrigation, which washes fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens into the gutter and storm drains.
- Sweep up yard waste and debris and dump it in a trash can. Do not use a hose to wash off sidewalks, parking areas and garages.
- When washing a car at home, use soap sparingly and pour soapy water down the sink, not in the street. See current drought conditions for restrictions.
- Take a bag when walking pets and be sure to always clean up after them. Flush pet waste down the toilet or dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the trash.
- Use non-toxic products for household cleaning.
Residential best management practices (BMP's)
Storm Drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer and therefore, the water flowing through them has no treatment prior to discharge to creeks, lagoons and the ocean. The primary purpose of storm drains is to carry rainwater away from developed areas to prevent flooding. Pollutants must be reduced and/or removed BEFORE they enter the storm drain system.
Prevention
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Use dry clean up methods. Use mops, brooms or wire brushes to clean dumpsters, sidewalks, buildings, equipment, pavement and other impervious surfaces.
- Preventative maintenance is important. Regularly inspect and clean gutters, storm drains, catch basins, and other storm drainage features to prevent pollutants from accumulating.
- Store materials indoors or under covered areas not exposed to rain. If materials can not be stored under cover, place materials on pallets and cover with a tarp to avoid contact with storm water run-on and runoff.
- Sweep around dumpsters and other areas to prevent trash from accumulating. Dumpsters must be kept closed when not in use.
- Write and keep a spill response plan. Ensure that employees are trained on the elements of the plan.
- Keep rags, mops and absorbents readily accessible. Dispose of waste properly.
- Conduct employee training. Discuss and distribute storm water pollution prevention material during training sessions and meetings.
Commercial and industrial best management practices (BMP's)
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