UACES Facebook Preventing Stormwater Pollution: Streets and Drainage Maintenance
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Preventing Stormwater Pollution: Streets and Drainage Maintenance

Employees who maintain and repair our streets and drainage infrastructure can help reduce water pollution by following precautions in their daily activities:

  • pavement repair
  • paint striping
  • storm ditch maintenance
  • storm drain inlet cleaning

Pavement Repair

  • Vacuum slurry and cuttings during saw-cutting operations.
  • Properly dispose of slurry according to established procedures.
  • Require concrete trucks to wash out in designated locations.
  • Locate stockpiles of asphalt patching material on a paved surface and cover to prevent contact with rain.
  • Mix only necessary amount of material for repairs.
  • Sweep up and properly dispose of all unused materials.
  • Clean trucks, equipment, and tools in designated wash facilities.
  • Use biodegradable products rather than diesel for asphalt patching and cleanup activities.
  • When wash facilities are not available, clean equipment over absorbents spread on an impervious surface.
  • Promptly sweep up absorbent and dispose according to established procedures.

 

Paint Stripping

  • DO NOT apply paint when rain is likely or in high winds. 
  • Waste handling for water-based (latex) paint:
    • Pour small quantities of unused paint in open barrels and allow to dry.
    • Dispose of dried paint in trash.
    • Contain water used for equipment cleaning and dispose in sanitary sewer.
  • Waste handling for oil-based paint:
    • Unused oil-based paint and solvents must be disposed in accordance with established procedures.

 

Storm Ditch Maintenance

  • Sample and analyze materials removed from ditches if it appears to be contaminated with oil or other pollutants.
  • Contaminated sediments must be disposed in accordance with established procedures.
  • Unpolluted soil may be used onsite as fill or stockpiled for other land application
  • Cover soil stockpiles to prevent erosion and/or install silt fence to capture sediment.
  • Prevent erosion by applying grass seed to exposed soils.
  • Use turf  reinforcement mats to protect channels until vegetation is established.

 

Storm Drain Inlet Cleaning

  • Properly dispose of trash and debris removed from inlets.
  • Report suspected dumping or pollution problems to supervisory personnel.
  • Apply "NO DUMPING" markers to inlets where there is evidence of dumping.

 

Report Pollution and Illegal Dumping

  • Look for signs of pollution during travel:
    • odor
    • oil sheen on water surface
    • excess trash and debris
    • colored or cloudy water
    • dead or dying fish
  • Report suspected pollution problems to supervisory personnel.

 

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