Source control program for existing development

Stormwater, unlike sewer, is not treated when it enters our system. That is why treating water at the source, either at your business or residence, is important to ensure the system continues operating free of pollutants. Here are some of our Programs to help you get started with source control.

  1. business source control program
  2. pollution prevention assistance program

Business Source Control Program

Pollution Prevention Tips

Follow these Best Management Practices for pollution control of stormwater and sanitary sewer:

  • Dispose of Wastes Properly: Only clean rainwater should enter storm drains.
  • Don’t Ignore Maintenance: Make sure grease traps, oil-water separators, and catch basins are regularly maintained. Otherwise, they won’t function properly, and maintenance costs will increase.
  • Storage of Materials: Store chemicals and other materials under cover and/or with secondary containment. Exposing these materials can lead to stormwater pollution.
  • Keep Outdoor Areas Well Maintained: Don’t allow dirt, garbage, debris, leaks, and spills to accumulate.
  • Recycling: Be sure to recycle your light bulbs! You can locate more information and participating businesses online.
  • Dumpster Lids: Something as simple as keeping your dumpster lids closed could help the environment. Keeping the lids closed can help your dumpster last longer by reducing the amount of leachate that can cause corrosion in the dumpster. If you have any questions about replacing your dumpster, please contact your disposal company.

Restaurants

This industry has potential "hidden" environmental hazards and financial impacts business owners or managers may not be aware of. In addition, the industry tends to have a high employee turnover rate, and information is often lost in the turnover process.
 
 Potential hazards for restaurants include:

  • Improper fluorescent light disposal
  • Improper grease storage and management
  • Improper maintenance of outdoor disposal areas
  • Improper management practices for fats, oils, and grease (FOG)
  • Improper washing practices outdoors
  • Lack of spill preparedness
  • Pretreatment device maintenance

Recommended Best Management Practices

Restaurant Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Restaurant BMPs (PDF) includes information about:

  • Fats Oils and Grease (FOG)
  • General cleaning
  • Grease interceptors
  • Hood vents
  • Pressure washing
  • Spill preparation
  • Trash bins
  • Used cooking oil

Other BMPs
Other BMPs (PDF) include:

  • Cleaning and washing activities
  • Dumpsters and trash compactors
  • Other maintenance practices
  • Spill control measures 

Fluorescent Light Disposal
LightRecyle Washington includes proper disposal and handling, including a map to search for drop-off locations. 


Posters 

The following resources can be printed and posted as reminders for employees:

Note: Waterproof Posters are available. If interested, please contact Bryana Solis, Business Outreach Specialist.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, there are hazardous and dangerous wastes just about everywhere you look. Working in the automotive industry you can encounter many potential pollutants provide technical assistance to all SQG (small quantity generators) on the importance of keeping those wastes out of our waterways.  

BMPs (Best Management Practices) for the Automotive Industry

  • Good Housekeeping 
  • Secondary Containment 
  • Waste Management 
  • Recycling Oils
  • Recycling Fluorescent Tubes 
  • Clean Catch Basins 
  • Proper Containers and Labeling 
  • Keeping Proper Waste Documents on-site

Please remember that whatever goes down the drain, unless connected to sanitary sewer is going directly into Puyallup River, then into Puget Sound. Only Rain down the Drain.

Storing Recyclable / Used Materials

Used oils and dangerous wastes should be stored under cover or inside in a secondary containment area so that leaks and spills are contained and are easier to clean up in case of a spill.
 
Department of Ecology has a list of businesses that recycle used materials, click here for the link.

LightRecycle Washington

As of January 1, 2015, according to RCW 70.275.080 ALL mercury-containing lights MUST be recycled. LightRecycle program allows Washington State residents and businesses to recycle mercury-containing light bulbs and tubes. Recycling the lights protects the environment by reducing the release of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. There is a limit of 10 lights per visit. To locate a recycling facility near you, click here.

Posters

The Following resources can be printed and posted as reminder for employees: 

Recycling Used Oils (11x17 print size)

Keep it Clean (8.5x11 print size)

Light-Cycle Program (8.5x11 print size)

Waste Management (8.5x11 print size)

Mop Water (8.5x11 print size)

Posters are also available upon request laminated or waterproof paper. 

Please contact Bryana Solis with any questions (253) 770-3364 or email.