Business Management

Most businesses have a facility maintenance management system in place that prevents storm water pollution. To protect our water resources, m businesses are required by the EPA to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and to develop Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPP.)
It is the challenge of the facility maintenance management staff to put strategies in place to reduce pollution runoff from their property. Facility maintenance management and operations requires an ongoing long-term system that plans, guides, and supports storm water management.
Effective storm water management systems prevent chemicals and hazardous waste products from reaching the nations waterways. Facility maintenance personal are involved in the day-to-day operations of a comprehensive system to provide an industrial facility with a well maintained plan that adheres to the rules and guidelines established by the EPA
Storm water runoff can contain toxic chemicals, oil and grease, pesticides, metals, and other contaminants that are a major source of water pollution and that can pose a threat to public health and the environment. Some industrial facilities are identified by their SIC codes as being probable candidates for aggressive pollution control preventive measures.
These business are identified by the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code, include, but are not limited to the following industries:
*Paper producers
*Chemical producers
*Lumber and wood producers
*Leather tanning and finishing industries
*Stone, clay, glass, and concrete producers such as quarries
*Fabricated metal producers except machinery and transportation equipment
*Mineral industries and landfills
*Materials recyclers such as junkyards and metal scrap yards
*Transportation facilities that have vehicle maintenance shops and equipment cleaning
*Construction operations, including clearing, grading, and excavating more than 5 acres
Storm water management products are available commercially that address the problems of storm water pollution. Drain covers seal and protect the storm drains from receiving the contamination from waste run off. These pads are constructed of a solid tacky urethane product that provides a durable seal.
Products used for protection against run off must be chemically resistant for use with a wide range of chemicals and substances that are produced in an industrial environment. Drain covers must be suitable for those industries that use certain solvents, oils and chemicals.
Traditional storm water management practices include the following:
1) Covering fueling operations and materials manufacturing and storage areas so that these chemicals will not be carried by storm water. A preventive measure is a cover that seals and blocks these chemicals and other hazardous materials from entering the storm water.
2) Providing pollutant storage areas with berms or other containment devices to prevent leaks and spills from storm water. Spill containment berms and spill blockers can be used effectively for containing these spills.
Spill blockers and berms should be constructed of non-absorbent materials and be resistant to a wide variety of chemical and fluids.
3) Using oil-water separators, booms, skimmers or other methods to minimize oil-contaminated storm water discharges
4) Reducing debris and sediment in storm water discharges with screens, booms, or detention ponds
Passive Oil Skimmer will remove oil permanently from catch basins and storm drains
5) Diverting storm water away from areas of potential storm water contamination.
These products play a vital role in a comprehensive facility maintenance system. Use of these types of these preventive systems aid in the protection of streams, water supplies, and personal safety of our waterways