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====Material Storage Pollution Prevention Practices==== | ====Material Storage Pollution Prevention Practices==== | ||
*Confine material storage indoors to the greatest extent feasible, and plug or disconnect floor drains that lead to the stormwater system | *Confine material storage indoors to the greatest extent feasible, and plug or disconnect floor drains that lead to the stormwater system | ||
+ | Confine outdoor material storage to designated areas that are covered, away from high traffic areas, outside of drainage pathways, and on impervious surfaces | ||
+ | *Store containers on pallets or equivalent structures to facilitate leak inspection and to prevent contact with wet floors that can cause corrosion. This technique also reduces incidences of container damage by insects, rodents, and etc. | ||
+ | *Store materials and waste in materially compatible containment units | ||
+ | *Keep hazardous materials in their original container | ||
+ | *If not in their original container (e.g. used motor oil), clearly label all storage containers with the name of the chemical, expiration date and handling instructions | ||
+ | *Maintain an inventory of all raw and waste materials to identify leakage and order new materials only when needed | ||
+ | *Provide secondary containment for storage tanks and drums with sufficient volume to store 110 percent of the volume of the material | ||
+ | *Provide sufficient aisle space to allow for routine inspections and access for spill cleanup | ||
+ | *Inspect storage areas for spills or leaks and containment units for corrosion or other failures | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Pollution Prevention Practices==== | ||
+ | *Implement good housekeeping including emptying and cleaning drip pans and containers rather than leaving them full and open around the shop | ||
+ | *Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, air filters, batteries, spent coolant, and degreasers following MPCA or county hazardous waste guidelines | ||
+ | *Use drip pans, drain boards, and drying racks to direct drips back to a fluid holding tank for reuse or proper disposal | ||
+ | *Avoid hosing down areas that would result in polluted runoff discharging to a stormwater system | ||
+ | *Do not pour liquid waste into sinks, floor drains, outdoor storm drain inlets or other storm drains or sewer connections | ||
+ | *Clean equipment and vehicles regularly to remove accumulated dust and residue | ||
+ | *Perform all cleaning operations indoors or under cover when possible | ||
+ | *If washing vehicles outdoors see the Vehicle Washing fact sheet for more information. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Vehicle and Equipment Fueling Pollution Prevention Practices==== | ||
+ | *Fuel vehicles only in designated areas that are covered | ||
+ | *Avoid topping off fuel tanks to prevent spills from overfilling |
A hazardous material is any biological, chemical, or physical material with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous materials can be released to the environment in a variety of ways.
When hazardous material comes into contact with rain or snow, the pollutants are washed into the storm sewer system and, ultimately, to surface water bodies and/or ground water. Hazardous materials have negative impacts on fish habitat, ground water drinking water sources, and recreational uses of Minnesota’s lakes and streams.
A spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water. Hazardous materials associated with MS4s and their operations include, but are not limited to, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, and de-icing agents and additives. This fact sheet provides guidance on storage and handling of hazardous materials.
Minimizing or eliminating contact of hazardous materials with stormwater can significantly reduce pollution of downstream waters. Proper hazardous material handling and storage also contributes to employee health, an organized work place, and efficient operation.
Hotspot facilities are facilities that produce higher levels of stormwater pollutants and/or present a higher potential risk for spills, leaks or illicit discharges. Hazardous material storage and handling is of particular concern in these areas. Common MS4 owned or managed hotspot facilities are those that handle solid waste, wastewater, road and vehicle maintenance, and yard waste, such as:
Confine outdoor material storage to designated areas that are covered, away from high traffic areas, outside of drainage pathways, and on impervious surfaces