Business & Construction Pollution Prevention

One of the most common types of pollution from businesses is contaminated water runoff, usually from cleaning and maintenance activities. Simple best management practices (BMPs) can prevent storm water pollution, and prevention is good business. It means clean water, clean beaches and shows your customers you care about the community.

Automotive Services

Motor oil, anti-freeze, grease and other toxic fluids from auto repair and gas station operations often make their way into the Orange County storm drain system, and flow untreated into local waterways. Follow these best management practices to prevent pollution and avoid fines and legal action: 

Preventing Leaks and Managing SpillsStoring and disposing of hazardous materials: 
  • Use drip pans to catch leaks when pouring and draining fluids.
  • Prevent leaks from stored vehicles by draining gas, hydraulic oil and transmission, brake and radiator fluids.
  • In case of a hazardous spill, follow your hazardous materials response plan as filed with the Fire Department or other hazardous materials authority.
  • Be sure employees are familiar with your hazardous materials response plan and are capable of implementing
  • Keep liquid wastes segregated. Many fluids can be recycled through hazardous waste disposal companies, as long as they are not mixed.
  • Store hazardous materials under cover or inside, to prevent leaks and spills.
  • Recycle motor oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, batteries, solvents, lubricants, tires and metal filings from grinding and polishing metal parts. These items are not trash, and are illegal to dump. Contact a hazardous waste hauler for proper disposal. 
Storing and disposing of hazardous materials:Cleaning and Maintenance: 
  • Keep liquid wastes segregated. Many fluids can be recycled through hazardous waste disposal companies, as long as they are not mixed. 
  • Store hazardous materials under cover or inside, to prevent leaks and spills. 
  • Recycle motor oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, batteries, solvents, lubricants, tires and metal filings from grinding and polishing metal parts. These items are not trash, and are illegal to dump. Contact a hazardous waste hauler for proper disposal.
  • Use dry methods, by sweeping and using absorbent cleaning agents, to clean work areas, instead of hosing them down. 
  • Sweep outside areas regularly and put the debris in the garbage, instead of sweeping or hosing it into the street. 
  • Keep dumpster lids closed and the areas around them clean. Do not fill with liquid waste or hose them out. Call your trash hauler to replace any dumpsters that leak. 

Washing vehicles: 

  • Wash vehicles at a washing facility that reclaims water. If washed at your business, use berms or sweep to keep contaminated wash water from flowing into the street.
  • Use non-toxic detergents and cleaners. 

Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Keeping lawns and gardens looking good isn’t always good for our environment. Sprinkler runoff carries pesticides and fertilizers into the storm drain system. Leaves, grass clippings and yard waste get swept or blown into the street, along with sediment from erosion, clogging catch basins and polluting waterways. Follow these best management practices to prevent pollution and avoid fines and legal action.

Tips & Guidelines

You can obtain simple stormwater pollution prevention tips and guidelines for free. To obtain these informative brochures, posters, and multimedia materials designed just for businesses, check out the Orange County Stormwater Program website.

One of the most common types of pollution from businesses is contaminated water runoff, usually from cleaning and maintenance activities. Simple BMPs can prevent stormwater pollution, and prevention is good business. It means clean water, clean beaches, and shows your customers you care about the community. Check out some ideas on steps you can take in and around your business. They are measures that do not take a lot of time or cost a lot of money, but can do a lot to prevent water pollution.