Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities can do their part to reduce stormwater pollution in Massachusetts by attending to their parking lots, grounds, and waste management practices.

 

 

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Get Your Permit
Many kinds of industrial facilities are required by federal law to take steps to prevent stormwater pollution, and these permit requirements are changing Massachusetts. Your site may be covered by a Multi-Sector General Permit, or may require its own permit. Check with the conservation commission in the town where your facility is located. Click Here to learn more about industrial stormwater permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

 

Equipment Maintenance
Gasoline, oil, and grease from your equipment can wash into storm drains and pollute waterways. For repairs and routine maintenance, use drip pans to catch fluids and keep materials like sand and kitty litter close by to help dry up small spills. Fix leaks and clean up all spills as soon as possible.
 
A preventive maintenance program can improve water quality by controlling pollutant discharges to surface water that would result from spills and leaks. Preventive maintenance programs also can save a facility money by reducing the likelihood of having a system breakdown and also by reducing the likelihood of funding costly cleanup projects. In addition, a preventive maintenance program can be an effective community relations tool.

 

 

Site Landscaping
Excess fertilizer and lawn waste (think leaves and grass clippings) can wash away and pollute local waterways. To stop this, test your soil and read the label before you apply fertilizer. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks and walkways. To manage erosion, cover piles of dirt and replant bare areas as quickly as possible.

 

 

Irrigation
Did you know that a lawn needs just one inch of water per week to be green? Your industrial facility can have healthy landscaping if you water just once a week. Avoid over-watering to prevent excess runoff.  Be sure to check weather reports. Upgrade to a moisture sensor to ensure irrigating only when needed, and avoid using old-fashioned irrigation timers. Don’t irrigate in the middle of the day or when it’s windy, in order to prevent evaporation and runoff. Make sure that sprinkler heads are pointed at the lawn and not the pavement – adjust and fix heads as necessary. Comply with any watering restrictions adopted by your town. These restrictions are in place to prevent excess water consumption during times of drought.

 

 

Waste Disposal
Rain that falls into and around your dumpsters can pick up trash, dirt, and other material as it drains away. You can keep a tidy facility and protect local waterways by sweeping up dust and dirt, keeping your dumpster closed, and checking for leaks. Scheduling regular trash pick-ups will help ensure that your dumpster is never too full.

 

 

Chemical Storage
You can keep spills and leaks at bay by taking some simple steps to safely handle and store your chemicals. Make sure all chemicals are kept in containers that have tight-fitting lids. Check often for leaks and close any containers that are left open. Any chemicals that are stored outside should be placed under cover, such as in a shed or under a tarp, to protect from rain and snow.

 

 

Spill Prevention & Response
It’s important to be prepared in the event that a spill occurs. Have a plan in place that outlines what you must do to prevent and respond to a spill. Keep a spill kit handy and fully stocked, ready for use. Use absorbent materials, like sand and kitty litter, for liquid spills. Any chemical spills, especially those happening outside, should be swept up immediately. Never hose down a spill area. Always report chemical spills to your local hazardous waste cleanup team.