All pollution is concerning, but some streams or rivers have a pollutant of concern. This is the material or substance that is causing a negative impact on the water quality of waterbody. It could be bacteria, nutrients, sediment, heavy metals, or petroleum-based products in addition to many others. The pollutant of concern can be identified on the State of Ga’s 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies found at https://epd.georgia.gov/https%3A/epd.georgia.gov/assessment/water-quality-georgia. You may find that your business deals with materials that could contribute to this problem, which is why taking steps to prevent stormwater discharges is so important.

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, or SWPPP, is plan that helps businesses protect stormwater from pollution associated with work on their property. A SWPPP may be required for some industrial businesses. The basic components are a site and activity description, a site map that includes sources of potential pollution, a description of controls to reduce pollutants, and procedures for maintenance and inspection. This will allow the business to prepare for and respond to potential pollutant discharges associated with outdoor activity, and is an excellent tool for training staff on site-specific pollution prevention. For a detailed guide to developing your SWPPP, visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/documents/swppp_guide_industrial_2021_030121.pdf

Storing some materials outdoors is often a solution to the need for space indoors. However, it can also be a source of water pollution. If items stored outside are not properly covered, closed, or contained, rainwater interacting with that storage area could contaminate runoff and contribute to stormwater pollution. This could be considered a violation of the city’s Stormwater Management Ordinance. So be sure to cover outdoor storage, provide secondary containment, and check the condition of materials stored outdoors regularly to prevent stormwater pollution.

Storing some materials outdoors is often a solution to the need for space indoors. However, it can also be a source of water pollution. If items stored outside are not properly covered, closed, or contained, rainwater interacting with that storage area could contaminate runoff and contribute to stormwater pollution. This could be considered a violation of the city’s Stormwater Management Ordinance. So be sure to cover outdoor storage, provide secondary containment, and check the condition of materials stored outdoors regularly to prevent stormwater pollution.

Those drains in the parking lot or on the curb are often referred to as “sewers.” While this may be technically true, they are not part of the sanitary sewer system, meaning those drains do not lead to treatment facilities. Stormwater drains direct runoff from parking lots, rooftops, sidewalks, outdoor storage areas, dumpster pads, etc, to underground pipes that discharge into surface waters. This is because the purpose of the stormwater drainage system is primarily to prevent flooding and not to filter the runoff. This means that any pollutants left on the ground or discharged to the drain or the parking lot leading to a drain, can combine with runoff and cause pollution in our waterways. This pollution is easily prevented by having spill response in place, proper outdoor storage, and employee training. The US EPA has great tip sheets for businesses found here: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-smart-outreach-tools.