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Site Outline

The Law

The Clean Water Act

Permits

Fines

The Process

Process & Methods

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Important Guidelines


 

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Important Guidelines For Preventing Pollution

  1. Locate and protect discharge points on the property (drain inlets, gutters flowing off site) and keep operations away from them or keep a buffer zone in case spills occur. Do not store soils, materials, etc. in the gutter where flows will carry off material. Don't use leaf blowers to push debris into drain inlets.
  2. Become knowledgeable in the proper selection and installation of products and materials for erosion and sediment control. Misunderstanding and misapplication is incredibly common and reflects poorly on the industry. The resulting pollutant discharges might be worse than having done nothing!
  3. Don't damage the BMPs that others have installed. Use them where appropriate. Cement washouts are not a place to throw solid waste, including concrete rubble.
  4. Use appropriate irrigation designs to reduce the potential for erosion and pollution runoff.
  5. Follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals and training of applicators and pest control advisors:
    1. Follow manufacturers' recommendations and label directions.
    2. Where practicable, use pesticides only if there is an actual pest control problem (not on a regular preventative schedule). When possible, use less-toxic chemicals that will get the job done in the minimum amount necessary.
    3. Never apply chemicals during or immediately before predicted rain or wind events, or anytime when wind exceeds five miles per hour.
    4. Do not mix or prepare chemicals for application near storm drains.
    5. Do not apply any chemicals directly to surface waters unless the application is approved and permitted by the state. Do not spray within 100 feet of open waters.
    6. Apply methods to minimize off-target application (e.g. spray drift), including consideration of alternative application techniques.
    7. Sweep pavement and sidewalks if chemicals are spilled. Do not hose spills down the gutter.
    8. Store all chemicals in closed, labeled containers and keep them off the ground.
    9. Properly dispose of used chemical containers.

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