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Best management practices

Thank you for taking the time to review and apply Best Management Practices (BMP) for stormwater quality in our community.

Through education and steadfast improvements, we can protect our rivers and preserve our local fish and wildlife.

Photograph of a restaurant food preparation line with workers plating food

Good housekeeping practices

  • Avoid spilling onto floors or other surfaces through good housekeeping.
  • Clean up spills immediately to minimize safety hazards and prevent spills from reaching a storm drain inlet.
  • Use absorbent materials to clean small spills rather than hosing down the area. Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly.

Cleaning

  • Keep outside areas (dumpsters, parking lots, etc.) free of trash and debris, and regularly clean them to prevent pollutant buildup.
  • Control litter by sweeping and picking up trash on a regular basis.
  • Sweep up outside areas rather than washing them down.
  • Do not dump mop water or wash floor mats or kitchen equipment outside. Pour mop water and wash water into the mop sink or floor drains. Take floor mats to a local car wash for cleaning.
  • Whenever possible, purchase water-based cleaning products. Look for products labeled “nontoxic,” “non-petroleum based,” “ammonia-free,” “phosphate-free,” “dye and perfume-free,” or “readily biodegradable.”

Oil and grease

  • Regularly inspect and clean out grease traps/interceptors.
  • Always use proper oil and grease recycling receptacles. Never dump oil and grease wastes into storm drains or onto parking lots.
  • Use care to avoid spills when taking used oil to the grease receptacle.

Best management practices flyer