City of Escondido

Protecting Water Quality: Businesses

Sustainable business practices are not only good for the environment, but can help businesses eliminate inefficiencies and reduce overhead costs. Reducing the generation of wastes and pollutants can be good for employee health and safety, project a professional image, and avoid friction with neighbors.

Under a State mandate, the City is required to maintain an inventory of commercial and industrial facilities, and inspect them to ensure that they are implementing appropriate best management practices to prevent pollution in runoff. In addition, the City is required to notify relevant businesses of any requirements relating to the State Industrial Permit.

The City works as a partner with businesses to ensure that they are in compliance with relevant ordinances and permits, so that they can operate without being exposed to costly enforcement action by other regulatory agencies.

Required Best Management Practices (BMPs)  in Escondido include:

Good Housekeeping

• Keep outside areas swept clean. Keep absorbent material onsite and use promptly when a spill or leak occurs. Remember the spill is not removed until the absorbent has been swept up and disposed of appropriately. 
• Use a mop and bucket if water is necessary. Avoid power washing or hosing down hardscape.
• Wash water should be prevented from entering drainage structures and from entering the street.
• Ensure that waste lines are not connected to the storm drain system.
• Trash and materials for recycling should be stored under cover. Dumpster lids should be kept down and trash and recycling areas should be free of debris. Immediately replace any damaged or leaking dumpsters. Empty dumpsters before they overfill.
• Inspect and maintain grease traps, separators, sumps, and drainage structures so that they work effectively.

Materials Handling

• Store liquids (oils, paints etc.) in secondary containment & under cover.
• Store all materials and equipment under cover (or provide cover before rain).
• Ensure that containers of hazardous materials or wastes are properly labeled and stored in secondary containment under cover.
• Have materials available to immediately stop a discharge or absorb a spill when dispensing or loading/unloading materials.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform maintenance work indoors.
• Promptly repair leaks and remove spills.
• Clean equipment in designated waste areas connected to sanitary sewer.
• Use drip pans under vehicles.
• Store vehicles indoors where possible.

Train all employees to follow these practices! Remind them that the storm drain system is SEPARATE from the sanitary sewer and that it discharges runoff to local water bodies untreated.

Helpful Links:

• City of Escondido BMP Manual
• SIC Code Lookup
• Industrial General Permit
• CASQA BMPs