Commercial Activites

Our impact on water quality increases when we increase the amount of hard surfaces and handle many potentially harmful chemicals.  Our commercial activities do just that: we need large buildings to shop in or work in, and thereby increase the amount of rain that becomes runoff. Many of the services we require as part of daily life involve the use of chemicals that are otherwise toxic or harmful to health.  

Being aware of these impacts is important. Our commercial activities, if not conducted properly, can lead to stormwater pollution. Here are some simple examples.

 

Landscaping
Commercial landscaping practices can create pollution if pesticides, fertilizers and motorized equipment are not handled properly. Overuse of lawn and garden chemicals is a serious problem with simple solutions: soils should be tested before applying fertilizers to determine the proper type and amount. Pesticides should be used sparingly, as they can kill beneficial insects on the property and beyond, if they wash off into storm drains.

 

Dry Cleaning
Most dry cleaners produce hazardous waste because of the nature of the solvents used in the cleaning process. Improper disposal of spent solvent containers and water effluent used in the cleaning process can result in a damaged ecosystem. 

 

Automobile Service Shops and Gas Stations
Automobile service shops or gas stations generate a variety of pollutants including metals and toxic chemicals. Gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters and cleaners can all be potentially harmful to the environment if not contained on site or recycled. Wash water from cleaning vehicles and equipment may contain significant quantities of oil, grease, suspended solids, heavy metals, and organics, as well as pollutants from detergents.

Car dealerships, auto detailers, rental agencies and other automotive related businesses that wash vehicles for commercial purposes must prevent the dirty water from entering the storm water conveyance system. All washing activity for commercial purposes must control, contain and capture the wash water before it leaves the site and/or enters a storm drain or a conveyance system.

 

Restaurants
Restaurants generate significant amounts of garbage and cooking byproducts such as grease and oil. Dumpster lids should be closed tightly to prevent rain water from causing garbage liquids to leach from the dumpster area.  Grease and oil should not be poured down storm drains but rather should be stored in designated sealed containers.