Best Management Practices for Landscape, Gardener and Pool Maintenance Contractors

POLLUTION PREVENTION PRACTICES FOR LANDSCAPE, GARDENER AND POOL MAINTENANCE CONTRACTORS

STORM DRAIN POLLUTION PREVENTION:  IT’S UP TO US

In the Town/Village of Harrison, storm drains flow directly to the Long Island Sound with no treatment.  Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live and work near polluted waterways or wetlands.  Some common sources of this pollution include spilled oils, fuel and fluids from vehicles and heavy equipment; landscaping runoff containing pesticides or weed killers; and materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze and paint products that people pour or spill into the street or storm drain.

Many landscaping activities expose soil and increase the likelihood that soil and garden chemicals will run off into the storm drains during irrigation or rainfall.  Swimming pool water containing chlorine and copper based algaecides should never be discharged into storm drains.  These chemicals are toxic to aquatic life.

WHO SHOULD USE THIS INFORMATION?

            Landscapers                                        Gardeners

            General contractors                             Home builders

            Developers                                          Swimming pool/spa service and repair contractors

WHAT CAN I DO?

General business practices

Ø  Protect stockpiles and landscaping materials from the elements by storing them under tarps or secured plastic sheeting

Ø  Store pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals indoors or in a shed or storage cabinet

Ø  Schedule grading or excavating projects for dry weather

Ø  Use temporary check dams or ditches to divert runoff away from storm drains

Ø  Protect storm drain inlets with hay bales, filter mats and other inlet protection measures

Ø  Re-vegetation is an excellent form of erosion control for any site

Landscape and Garden Maintenance

Ø  Use up pesticides and follow label directions.  Rinse containers, and use rinse water to water the garden

Ø  Dispose of rinsed containers in the trash

Ø  Dispose of unused pesticides as hazardous waste

Ø  Collect lawn and garden clippings, pruning waste and tree trimmings.  Chip if necessary and compost

Ø  Do not place yard waste in gutters.  In communities with curbside yard waste recycling, leave clippings and pruning waste for pickup in approved bags or containers

Ø  Do not blow or rake leaves, etc., into the street

Pool, Fountain and Spa Maintenance

Ø  Never discharge chlorinated pool or spa water into the street or storm drains

Ø  When emptying a pool or spa, let chlorine dissipate for 5 to 7 days.  Then recycle water by draining gradually onto landscaped areas, or drain the de-chlorinated water to a storm drain

Ø  Chlorinated water may be discharged to the sanitary sewer (if allowed by the local authorities) by running a hose to a utility sink to sewer pipe cleanout junction

Ø  Do not use copper-based algaecides.  Control algae with chlorine or other alternatives.  Copper is harmful to aquatic life and cannot be completely removed by sewage treatment plants

This information was taken from the NYSEPA website.  Additional stormwater information can be obtained by visiting http://www.epa.gov