Best Management Practices for Businesses

Properly maintaining a stormwater system is important whether you are part of a neighborhood or a business. Rain becomes runoff when it flows over yards, sidewalks, roads, driveways and parking lots. Along the way, the water collects pollutants such as vehicle oil, fuel, brake dust, pet waste and other contaminants. Eventually, this water empties directly into our streams, rivers, lakes and Puget Sound. Stormwater systems are designed to collect and control runoff. They play a key role in preventing flooding, pollution and erosion. Stormwater systems include structures such as catch basins, ponds and ditches, which require periodic maintenance to ensure they function properly.

Pierce County requires property owners to inspect and maintain stormwater systems on their private property - including systems on commonly owned land. That means you and your neighbors are all owners of the stormwater system and are all responsible. Pierce County inspects private stormwater systems at businesses and in residential developments to ensure they are functioning properly and pollutants are not entering the drainage system and surface waters in Pierce County. If the system is malfunctioning the owner(s) is the responsible party to make maintenance improvements.

To schedule a free inspection to ensure your system is functioning properly, call (253) 798-2725.

Best Management Practices

Best management practices (BMPs) are steps you can take to prevent runoff from coming into contact with pollutants. Examples include covering a pile of exposed soil to prevent erosion, moving drums of waste to a covered area, and having a spill kit on hand to prevent spills from spreading.

Resources

Visit our resource library for more information about managing private stormwater systems. Explore documents, manuals and learn best management practices.