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