Business

Tips and Best Management practices (BMPs) for specific businesses to help pass stormwater inspections and keep our watershed clean!

Restaurants

• Never pour wash water or any substance into the storm drain or onto paved parking lots or paved surfaces where residue will be washed by rains into the storm drain.
• For surface cleaning, please follow the BMPs found in this booklet Pollution From Surface Cleaning.
• Dispose of wash water into a mop sink or sanitary drain that empties into a sanitary sewer.
• Keep the dumpster area clean of trash and other debris; keep lids closed. 
• Handle and dispose of grease and cooking oil properly.

Mobile Businesses (including Carpet Cleaners, Pet Groomers, Vehicle Washers or Detailers, & Power Washers/Surface Cleaners)

• Never drain wash water into streets, gutters, parking lots, or storm drains.
• Please follow the BMPs found in these documents: Mobile Businesses, Best Management Practices, and Pollution From Surface Cleaning
• Wash water that is free from debris and hazardous materials can be disposed of into a utility sink, toilet, or floor drain leading to the sanitary sewer.
• For power washer/surface cleaners, take online mobile surface cleaning training through Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA). Visit the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association website.

Light Industrial/Commercial

Light industrial and commercial businesses include: 

• Automotive repair
• Car washes
• Gas stations
• Manufacture of goods
• Retail
• Salvage yards
• Warehouses
• Other light industrial uses

Please follow the BMPs found in these brochures and booklets to reduce storm drain pollution:

• Preventing Storm Drain Pollution, Guidelines for Commercial and Light Industrial Facilities
• Preventing Storm Drain Pollution, BMPs for Machine Shops
• Keep Your Business Safe From Mercury
• Grey Water
• Pollution From Surface Cleaning

Industrial General Permit

In addition to the resources provided above, some defined industrial businesses are required to obtain an Industrial General Permit (IGP) from the State Water Resources Control Board, implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and submit annual reports. To see if your business should have an IGP, visit the CA State Water Board's Industrial web page.

Report a Spill

View the Report Stormwater Pollution page.