Businesses

Businesses in Carlsbad are required to comply with municipal storm water rules and regulations to prevent pollution. The Storm Water Protection Program conducts compliance inspections, complaint investigations and outreach education to ensure businesses are implementing appropriate pollution prevention. You can help us prevent water pollution by following these simple methods:

Good Housekeeping

Use mops, brooms or wire brushes to clean dumpsters, sidewalks, buildings, equipment, pavement and other impervious surfaces.
Sweep up trash and debris.

Preventative Maintenance

Keep equipment and vehicles properly serviced. Inspect and clean/repair as needed.
Regularly inspect and clean gutters, storm drains, catch basins, and other storm drainage features to prevent pollutants from accumulating.
Regularly inspect and maintain BMPs.

Materials Storage and Handling

Store materials indoors or under covered/contained areas not exposed to rain.
If materials cannot be stored under cover, place materials on pallets and cover with a tarp to avoid contact with storm water run-on and runoff.
Dispose of unused materials properly.

Waste Disposal and Management

Keep dumpsters closed when not in use.
Sweep around dumpsters and other areas to prevent trash from accumulating.
Immediately clean up spills and leaks.

Spill Response

Keep rags, mops and absorbents readily accessible.
Dispose of waste properly.
If necessary, develop a spill response plan and update as needed.

Employee Training

Train employees on pollution prevention and spill response.
Post information in employee areas.
Keep records of employee training.

Download Industrial/Commercial Business Guide to Pollution Prevention
Download Mobile Business Guide to Pollution Prevention
Download Green Business Practices

Storm Water Protection - Business
- My business doesn’t have anything outside. Is it still subject to storm water rules and regulations?
  All businesses are required to comply with the city’s municipal code on storm water. Good housekeeping, proper waste disposal and outdoor surface cleaning are necessary to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system.
- How does the city decide which businesses to inspect?
  The Regional and State Water Boards use NAICS and SIC codes to determine which businesses are inspected by the city. The city also considers a facility’s potential to discharge pollutants to the storm drain system.
- What does the city inspector look for during a storm water compliance inspection?
  The city inspector looks for potential sources of pollution, such as dumpster enclosures, grease bins, materials storage, landscaping and all storm drains onsite. The inspector will notify the business manager or property owner of storm water violations and/or needed corrective actions, and will work with him/her to resolve problems as quickly as possible.
- My business uses a grease bin. What do I need to know?
  Grease bins can be a source of water pollution if not properly maintained. Always keep the lid closed, and immediately clean up spills. If washing the grease bin, capture all wash water and do not let runoff flow to the street or storm drain. For more information on fats, oils and grease, please contact the City of Carlsbad’s Wastewater Department at 760-438-2722 or visit http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/pw/utils/sewer/.
- Can my business be fined for a storm water violation?
  The Storm Water Protection Program strives to achieve compliance and pollution prevention by working with the business or property owner. Enforcement procedures typically begin with a notice of violation, but can include administrative citations if violations are not corrected as required by the inspector.
- Should I train my employees on storm water pollution prevention?
  It’s a good idea to train employees on pollution prevention, whether required by law or not. The City of Carlsbad can assist with employee training. Please call 760-602-2799 or email stormwater@carlsbadca.gov if you are interested in having an environmental specialist conduct storm water pollution prevention training at your facility.
- Does my business need an Industrial General Permit?
  To find out if your business needs to apply for coverage under the state’s Industrial General Permit, please visit http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/industrial.shtml.