Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Businesses

The City of Danville's storm water conveyance system is made up of curbs and gutters, curb inlets, pipes, and man made conveyance channels (ditches). The system also includes natural drainage system such as natural channels, creeks, and rivers. The storm water drainage system is not connected to sanitary sewer system and it does not convey stormwater to the wastewater plants from treatment. Rainwater picks up pollutants that have collected paved surfaces and transports these pollutants directly into our local waterways.

Listed below are some BMPs that you can use that will help keep pollutants out of our local waterways.

Eliminate Illicit Discharges, Improper Connections, and Illegal Dumping

• Properly dispose of grease. Grease poured directly into a sanitary system can cause clogging of sanitary sewer pipes which will cause sanitary sewer overflows. Do not dump grease on the ground.
• Check to make sure all sanitary drains and floor drains are properly routed to the sanitary sewer system. Connection of these drains to the storm drain system or dumping directly out onto the ground is not allowed and is considered a Class II misdemeanor.

Good Housekeeping

• Never dump mop water or cleaning wastewater outside, on paved surfaces, or into storm drains. Dispose of wastewater in a sanitary sewer drain.
• All waste containers and trash dumpsters should be leak proof with tight-fitting lids or covers.
• Inspect dumpsters and waste disposal areas regularly. Clean up any trash, spills or leaks and report leaking dumpsters to the company that supplies the container.
• Use biodegradable cleaning products when possible.

Parking Lots & Sidewalks

• Schedule regular parking lot sweeping.
• Sweep and cleanup parking lots and sidewalks after winter sanding and after fall leaf season.
• Do not hose down sidewalks or parking lots except where wash water will only enter grassy or graveled areas where it can soak into the ground.
• Clean up leaves, trash, sand, and other debris from parking lots and sidewalks regularly or as needed to prevent debris from reaching any storm drain inlet or area watercourses.
• Any automotive leaks, drips, or spills should be cleaned up with dry absorbent methods and disposed of properly.

Grounds Maintenance

• Do not apply herbicide, pesticide, or fertilizer in ditches or on adjacent parking lots or sidewalks.
• Have the grass clippings mulched back into the turf as mowing is being done.
• Any grass clippings that are deposited on paved surfaces should be swept up. They should not be blown into a storm drain or out into the street.
• Do not dispose of grass clippings in waterways or storm drain inlets.
• Maintain sprinkler systems at rates that do not exceed the infiltration rate of the soil.
• Sweep areas around landscape beds regularly and after applying new mulch to keep it from entering the storm drain system.
• Try using manual or mechanical methods for weed control whenever possible.
• Use fertilizers, herbicide, and pesticides sparingly and not too close to any watercourse or drainage system

Storm Drains

• Never pour or sweep anything into a storm drain system.
• Do not pour or dispose of any material outdoors or near a storm drain.
• Inspect stormwater inlets on a regular basis. Schedule cleanings based on inspection or concerns.

Pressure Washing

• If pressure washing must be used, identify where the wash waters will flow. Wash waters should not be allowed to flow down gutters or enter storm drains. All wash water should be captured for proper disposal.
• The following can be used to protect storm drains and to contain and collect wash water: vacuum pumps, booms, portable containment areas, weighted storm drain covers, inflatable plumber's plugs, portable sump pumps.