While some businesses may be subject to regular stormwater inspections, all businesses can help prevent stormwater pollution. A self-inspection for stormwater practices can help you make sure your business is protecting water quality in Gwinnett.

The first step is knowing where the storm drains are on your business property. Be aware of business practices that may leak pollutants outside since rain can carry them into storm drains. Move these practices indoors or under cover to prevent pollution.

Outdoor storage can be another source of pollution. Be sure to move storage indoors or cover outdoor storage areas. Having an adequate spill response readily available and training staff to know when and how to use it is key to preventing pollution. A quick self-inspection and a few small adjustments can be all that’s necessary to protect Gwinnett’s waterways and your business.

Spills can be a threat to Gwinnett’s water quality if they reach a storm drain. Even indoors, spills can escape the building through an exit or bay door and reach outside. For large volumes of liquid storage, keeping the containers in or on secondary containment is the key to preventing stormwater pollution. Secondary containment could be a plastic pallet with a reservoir at the bottom or an entire structure of walls surrounding a tank. The secondary containment should be large enough to hold the volume of storage, plus a little extra in case of rain.

Cleaning and pressure washing surfaces like building facades, driveways, and loading bays can be a regular part of keeping a business clean. However, if the dirty water reaches a storm drain, it can be a source of pollution in Gwinnett’s stormwater.

Anything dislodged during the surface cleaning process can be a pollutant in stormwater. Oil stains, paint chips, cleaning products, or even sediment can cause harm to our waterways.

The best method for surface cleaning is to collect the wash water generated and to dispose of it in an indoor drain. There are service providers with the equipment necessary to complete this task so that your business and our waterways continue to shine!

Good housekeeping at the office is the same as at home. When we perform good housekeeping at work, we keep things straight, well-documented, clean and in good condition, and make sure that staff are properly trained. Good housekeeping also reduces the chances for accidents and spills that can pollute stormwater and harm local waterways.

It also ensures that if something does occur, staff have the materials and knowledge to react appropriately. Good housekeeping is a preventative measure to help protect your business and Gwinnett’s waterways.