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Business Source Control and Pollution Prevention
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.
Business Source Control Program
The City of Puyallup is required to implement a Business Source Control Program (BSC) to meet the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Stormwater General Permit (MSWGP) to discharge to waters of the state while within the general conditions of the permit. The program is intended to be preventative, rather than reactive.
Businesses identified by the City as having a high potential for generation pollutants are required to implement source control Best Management Practices (BMP's) consistent with the latest Stormwater Manual.
A representative of the City, also known as a Local Source Control Specialist, is authorized to enter private property at all reasonable times to conduct inspections, tests or to carry out other duties imposed by the code, provided the utility shall first notify the property owner or person responsible for the premises. The BSC Program has been designed to provide businesses with knowledge, inspection of BMP's, and enforcement at their place of business. Inspectors provide the business manager or owner with information on how to implement BMPS's properly and if any additional source control, structural of treatment of BMP's are needed onsite.
Below are BMP's that your Local Source Control Specialist will review during their visit.
- Disposing of wastes properly: There are many household hazardous products that should not just be tossed into the garbage. All wastes need to be designated properly and disposed of accordingly.
- Being up to date on facility maintenance: This includes components such as grease traps, oil-water separators, and catch basins.
- Storing materials correctly: Many chemicals and other materials can be hazardous to the environment. Make sure these products are under cover and/or with secondary containment when not in use.
- Keeping outdoor areas maintained: It's common for dirt and grime to accumulate in certain areas of a business. It is important to frequently walk around your business and inspect for areas that are becoming dirty and in need of some cleaning, as well as noticing if any equipment is leaking or a spill has occurred.
- Dumpster maintenance: 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.
Business Resources
- Emergency Contacts for Spill Response
- Site Specific Spill Prevention and Cleanup Plan
- Facility Maintenance Contractor List
- Common Business BMP's
- Restaurant BMP's
- Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) Flyer
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions, please contact your Local Source Control Specialist, Nolan Fritts at (253) 841-5466 or email nfritts@puyallupwa.gov
Pollution Prevention Assistance
Public Works Engineering was selected as a partner in the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) Program. As a partner, Puyallup receives funding to provide local businesses with resources and technical assistance to reduce pollution in our environment.
Working With Businesses to Reduce Pollution
The City of Puyallup places a high priority on our small businesses; when they flourish, it is a sign of a healthy community. The city also places a high value on protecting our surface water and groundwater, which supplies our drinking water and feeds into the Puget Sound Watershed.
Many routine business activities can influence the quality of local and regional surface and groundwater. The goal of the program is to provide business owners information, resources and options to comply with the regulations that affect your particular business. Pollution Prevention can reduce your costs, as well as your liability. Working together, we can make you more productive and ease stress on our waterways.
What to Expect During a Pollution Prevention Visit?
Typically, a visit will be scheduled during a time that works best for the business owner, or whoever may be available on site to meet with the pollution prevention specialist to discuss any potential concerns of pollution generation from the business. The visit takes anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes to complete but can certainly extend longer depending on the need for further discussion and assistance. The specialist will observe the usual, day-to-day business operations, and will make recommendations on best management practices if necessary. Best management practices (BMPs) concern issues such as:
- Proper waste containment and disposal.
- Spill prevention and cleanup practices.
- Use of environmentally safe products.
- Proper material handling and employee training.
- Other hazardous waste issues.
After the visit is completed, depending on the specialists’ findings, a follow-up may be scheduled to assist with any issues that might have been identified. This could be something like providing secondary containment for oil drums or assisting with implementing a spill plan, so employees know what to do in the event of a spill.
The entire pollution prevention service is completely free of charge. We can answer your questions, provide resources that can save your business money, reduce your liability and make your workplace safer!
Equipment you can receive for your business FOR FREE when you participate in a PPA visit:
- Spill Kit
- Secondary Containment
- Drum Lids
- Funnels
- Catch Basin Socks
- Informative Training Posters for Employees
- Adhesive Labels for Storing Waste Products
- And More!
Washington Stormwater Training Center
Get access to free online training for best management practices in a variety of business sectors!
Additional Resources
- Light Recycle Washington
- Reducing and Recycling Waste
- Small Quantity Generators and Dangerous Waste
- Food Truck BMP's
If you have any questions regarding this program or would like to schedule a visit, please contact Carly Zellers at (253) 770-3364 or email czellers@puyallupwa.gov