Simple Steps for Minimizing Stormwater Pollution
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Stormwater runoff is the major contributor to the ongoing degradation of our nation’s surface and groundwater. Although we cannot control precipitation, there are plenty of ways to control its impact through measures that are both common sense and required by law. Here are some of EPA’s recommended measures for commercial/industrial facilities to do their part in minimizing stormwater pollution.
1. Detect and eliminate illicit connections, which the EPA defines as “illegal and/or improper connections to storm drainage systems and receiving water …” The discharge of industrial waste via illicit connections is illegal because most such discharges would normally require a National Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) permit with specific discharge requirements. Unfortunately, illicit storm system connections can exist without the knowledge of facility operators, increasing the potential for illegal discharges.
Facility operators should also note that local ordinances may authorize municipalities to inspect facilities for illicit connections, especially when they are suspected of releasing contaminated discharges into storm drain systems. For example, when pollutants are found in stormwater systems and no source is readily identified, local and/or state environmental agencies may be prompted to investigate all possible sources. As with all regulatory requirements, ignorance is no defense and even facility owners and operators that were unaware of an illicit connection could be found liable.
Attend the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for Industrial Facilities webinar to learn the changes to the NPDES that differ from the old standards. Learn more.
2. Even when not already required by other regulations, training and educating employees (and customers if applicable) can help to build good pollution prevention practices and get everyone on board. The EPA recommends a number of things to consider in such training:
- Information on material handling and spill prevention and response to better prepare employees in case of an emergency;
- Training on the purpose, operation, and maintenance of pollution prevention management practices; and
- Ongoing education with periodic training courses and with signs that remind workers of their responsibility to use good housekeeping practices.
With regard to customer education, the EPA recommends informing them of the company’s efforts to reduce waste and pollution and the use of signage or written materials “so they will be less likely to contribute to pollution problems that are ultimately the responsibility of the business.”
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for Industrial Facilities: How to Master Obligations Under Evolving NPDES Requirements
Ensure that your facility has a stormwater pollution prevention plan that complies with NPDES requirements. Space is limited. Register now.
3. General good housekeeping practices can also go a long way toward minimizing polluted stormwater runoff, and they are also among the least expensive and most effective. While specific practices are often facility and process specific, there are several common ones that apply to most. These include:
- Limit the exposure of materials that can be eroded or dissolved by rainfall and runoff by creating an inventory of all materials on-site that are exposed to rain and runoff and implementing appropriate exposure-reduction activities and policies.
- Keep dumpsters and other containers securely closed, store containers under cover, and cover stockpiled materials, such as gravel, wood chips, and building materials with plastic sheeting.
- Maintain outdoor areas and keep them clean of litter, garbage, and other refuse. The EPA recommends such cleanup activities be undertaken without using water or other means that could wash refuse, grit, grime, and sediments into the storm drain system. Instead, pick up, sweep, and dispose of nonhazardous refuse in the garbage and use absorbent materials such as manufactured absorbent snakes, kitty litter, or sawdust to absorb liquid contaminants.
4. Another good way to focus operations on source reduction is to conduct an environmental audit.
According to the EPA, “a reduction assessment can be performed to evaluate the type and amount of materials currently used, processes conducted, and wastes generated.” The results of the assessment can reveal “recommendations for modifying the commercial process to generate less waste, using alternative raw materials to generate non-hazardous wastes, and identifying recycling options to reduce the amount of wastes that require disposal.”