Storm water pollution sources are not always directly related to chemicals. Although construction sites use chemicals such as paints, solvents and fuels; a significant storm water contaminant common to construction sites results from poor silt and sediment containment. Heavy concentrations of sediments can clog catch basins which can cause localized flooding of streets, and impact retention basins and drywells decreasing their ability to infiltrate water into the ground. Additionally, sediment loading to our washes and rivers can contribute to the destruction of plant and wildlife habitats.

BMPs for the City of Surprise Business Sector

Even businesses that are not required to file under the MSGP should take appropriate actions to prevent storm water pollution, such as training their employees on proper handling and disposal of chemicals and keeping parking areas and storm inlets clean. In order to maintain an informed business sector, the following fact sheets were created identifying non-structural BMPs for businesses within Surprise that have the highest likelihood of contributing to storm water pollution.

• Cleaning & Maintaining Outdoor Areas
• Home Repair and General Contractors
• Automotive Repair Shops
• Vehicle Body Repair & Washing
• Nurseries & Landscape Industries
• Retail & Food Service Industries
• Residential & Office Cleaning Industries

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has also developed the fact sheets that address pollution prevention ideas for those businesses listed above as well as others as part of their Pollution Prevention (P2) Program.

EPA Fact Sheets

As an additional source of information, the following links provide access to fact sheets and outreach materials developed by the EPA that may be useful in helping businesses reduce their potential of contributing to storm water pollution.

• Employee Training

• Guide for Auto Recyclers
• Overview for Auto Recycler