For Business/Industry

You Can Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution

When rain or stormwater flows across rooftops, lawns, streets, parking lots, construction sites and open lots it collects all kinds of pollution from “nonpoint sources” and washes them into our rivers and streams. Typical pollutants from stormwater pollution include sediment (dirt), oil and grease, fecal coliform, pesticides and fertilizer, lawn clippings, debris, and heavy metals.

Contrary to what you might think, stormwater run off does NOT flow into the sewer and to the wastewater treatment plant for treatment (clean up). Polluted stormwater flows directly into our fresh water rivers, streams and lakes. It also can impact groundwater sources. Cleaning up contaminated water can be costly or not possible. Preventing pollution by applying “Best Management Practices” (or BMPs) is easier and more economical.

General BMPs applicable to most businesses and industries
Industry-specific BMPs
Technical assistance for implementing BMPs


General BMPs

Below is a menu of various BMPs in pollution prevention for businesses of all types. Learn more about these actions to protect source waters.

1. Pollution Prevention Plans

Develop and implement pollution prevention plans, targeting elimination and/or reduction of toxic substances, source reduction, reuse and recycling, and energy recovery for your business. Pollution prevention example plans are available and assistance regarding the planning basics. Further information can be found at these sites:

2. Proper Hazardous Materials Storage

Hazardous materials that are not stored properly have much greater chances of entering the waterways. The Texas Administrative Code regulates industrial waste and municipal hazardous waste. Refer to the Secretary of State's websiteOpens in a new windowfor details of the regulations.

Elements of proper hazardous materials storage can include:

  • Maintaining Sufficient Aisle Space
  • Storing Away from High Traffic Areas
  • Stacking in Accordance with Manufacturers’ Directions
  • Storing on Pallets
  • Delegating Responsibility to Trained Hazardous Substance Management
  • Personnel
  • Covering or Enclosing Hazardous Materials Areas
  • Considering Usable Life of Container

For further information refer to Menu of BMPs: Hazardous Materials Storage.Opens in a new window(U.S. EPA, July 2001).

3. Materials Management

Proper materials management involves the responsible selection, use, storage, and disposal of a product. These actions will help prevent the materials from entering waterways.

Key components of Materials Management include the following:

  • Minimize Materials Used
  • Minimize Waste Generated
  • Routine Housekeeping
  • Proper Collection and Disposal of Wastes
  • Maintenance
  • Regular Inspection
  • Employee Training
  • Materials Inventory: identify all substances; label all containers (name, unit number, expiration date, handling instructions, and health and environmental hazards); note hazardous chemicals

Further information can be found at these sites:

4. Spill Response and Prevention

To protect storm drains from spills and leaks, a spill response and prevention plan should be developed. These plans include spill prevention measures, response procedures, cleanup procedures, reporting and training. Product substitution and use of recycled, reclaimed, and reused materials may reduce the toxic materials requiring a spill response and prevention plan.

Key components of the Spill Response and Prevention Plan include the following:

  • Description of Facility, Address, Activities and Materials
  • Identification of Spill Response Personnel
  • Identification of Potential Spill Areas or Operations
  • Identification of Areas Requiring Berms
  • Facility Map (Including Areas, Activities, Materials, Structural BMPs etc.)
  • Material Handling Procedures
  • Spill Response Procedures: assessment of site and potential impacts; containment; notification; clean up; disposal; record keeping

Spill Prevention Measures in the plan may include the following:

  • Install Leak Detection Devices, Overflow Controls, and Diversion Berms
  • Disconnect Drains to Storm Sewer
  • Preventative Maintenance
  • Minimize Spills
  • Product Substitution
  • Recycle, Reclaim, or Reuse Materials

Further information can be found at these sites:

5. Trash Management

Trash management involves source control and structural control to reduce the amount of trash present in stormwater and entering source waters.

Types:

  • Source Control: waste reduction; public education; infrastructure; clean-up programs;
  • Structural Control: filtration; centrifugal separation

For further information refer to this site: Menu of BMPs: Trash Management.Opens in a new window (U.S. EPA, July 2001).

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Industry-Specific BMPs

Business Type PSOCs Links to Specific Best Management Practices

AUTOS: Repair, Parts, Sales, Salvage, Towing

hazardous wastes, hydrocarbons, trace metals

EPA Opens in a new window
County of Maui Best Management Practices for Businesses Opens in a new window
Waste Reduction Resource Center Opens in a new window
Western Regional Pollution Prevention CenterOpens in a new window

DRY CLEANERS

Perchloroethylene, other solvents and chemicals, separator water, used carbon and cartridges from absorbers, residues and sludge from stills, filter powder, filters, rags, and extra chemicals and drums

University of South Carolina School of the EnvironmentOpens in a new window
Ohio State EPA Opens in a new window

GOLF COURSE

Fertilizers, pesticides

US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Opens in a new window

GUN RANGE

Lead

Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges Opens in a new window

NAIL SALONS

Acetone and other chemicals

How to Handle Nail Salon WasteOpens PDF Download
County of Maui Best Management Practices for BusinessesOpens in a new window

PETROLEUM STORAGE TANKS

Petroleum products

Underground Storage Tank BMPsOpens PDF Download
County of Maui Best Management Practices for BusinessesOpens in a new window

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Technical Assistance for Implementing BMPs

Small businesses are eligible to receive free on-site technical help with pollution prevention from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Small Business and Local Gove

rnment Assistance (SBLGA) program. The program provides confidential technical assistance without the threat of enforcement. Help is available from regional offices located throughout the state; click here to find the nearest Compliance Assistance SpecialistOpens in a new window or call toll free at 1-800-447-2827.

Following are shortcuts to compliance tools for specific operations:

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a special resource guide entitled Environmental Assistance Services for Small BusinessOpens in a new window.

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