Best Management Practices for Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR SUPERMARKETS AND GROCERY STORES

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. 

DUMPSTERS AND COMPACTORS

Potential stormwater pollution problems

Ø  Leaks from liquid wastes or rainwater in dumpsters, and hydraulic fluids from compactors flow to gutters, storm drains or waterways

Ø  Litter, waste and garbage left on the ground can wash away with rainwater to gutters, storm drains or waterways

Best management practices

Ø  Minimize the amount of liquid placed in dumpsters or compactors.  For example, drain liquid food wastes to the sanitary sewer and place only empty containers in dumpsters or compactors. Use a screen to remove solids from liquid waste.  Liquid waste goes to the sanitary sewer and solid waste goes into the trash

Ø  Keep dumpster lids closed to keep out rainwater

Ø  Route leaks and other wastewaters from dumpsters or compactors to the sanitary sewer.

Ø  Control litter.  Make sure that waste is contained in dumpsters and compactors.  Sweep dumpster and compactor areas regularly.

Ø  Inspect dumpsters and compactors monthly for leaks or stains.  Inspect dumpster and compactor areas weekly for litter

CLEANING AND WASHING ACTIVITIES

Potential stormwater pollution problems

Ø  Washwaters laden with soap, dirt, grease, oil and other pollutants are dumped or allowed to flow into gutters, storm drains or waterways

 

Best management practices

Ø  Clean equipment (including carts, floor mats, garbage cans and tray racks) in a designated wash area that allows NO discharge to the storm drain

Ø  If the designated wash area is outdoors, collect and pump washwaters to the sanitary sewer

Ø  Temporary cleaning areas must be adequate to contain all washwaters.  The area is inadequate if washwaters reach gutters, storm drains or waterways

Ø  Discharge washwaters to the sanitary sewer system when cleaning flat surfaces only (loading docks, windows, parking areas, driveways, etc.).  Minimize the amount of water used

Ø  Sweep areas before washing

Ø  If wet cleaning is required, block the storm drain or contain all washwaters and discharge into the sanitary sewer system

Ø  If no soap is used, washwaters from the following types of surfaces may be discharged to landscaping or storm drains after the washwaters have been screened to catch debris:

o   Sidewalks

o   Plazas

o   Building surfaces

o   Decks

MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

Potential stormwater pollution problems

Ø  Oil, hydraulic fluids, grease, coolant and other fluids deposited on the ground from storage or maintenance of heavy equipment can wash away with rainwater to gutters, storm drains or waterways

Best management practices

Ø  Maintain equipment regularly.  Check for leaks or stains.  Fix leaks

Ø  Use a drip pan to capture leaks and drips during maintenance activities

Ø  If equipment is stored outdoors, store equipment under a roof or tarp during rain

SPILL CONTROL

Potential stormwater pollution problems

Ø  Waste foods and garbage dumped, washed or allowed to flow to gutters, storm drains or waterways

Ø  Spillage from grease bins allowed to flow to gutters, storm drains or waterways

Best management practices

Ø  Dispose of waste food and garbage in dumpsters or compactors.  Be prepared for spills

Ø  Develop appropriate spill cleanup procedures for different types of spills

Ø  Train employees on cleanup procedures

Ø  Keep cleanup kits in well-marked, easily accessible areas

Ø  If you mop up a spill, dispose of mop/washwater appropriately in indoor sinks for discharge to the sanitary sewer

 

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