Storm drains flow directly into creeks, the Bay and Ocean without any treatment. Because of this direct connection, water and other wastes that flow into a storm drain can easily cause pollution. It is the responsibility of your business to ensure that only rainwater enters the storm drains near your operation. If wastes and wash waters from your business practices enter the storm drain system, you may have to pay for clean up costs and fines, have permits revoked, or even go to jail for causing stormwater pollution.
The pollution prevention practices outlined in this booklet will help your business stay in compliance with laws designed to protect stormwater and the environment.
Sewer or Storm Drain?
In order to choose the most appropriate practice, it is important to determine whether a drain is a storm drain or a sanitary sewer drain. In general, drains inside the building are connected to the sanitary sewer, and outside drains (except for capped sanitary sewer “cleanouts”) are connected to the storm drain system. Sanitary sewer cleanouts are usually 6 inches in diameter or smaller, and storm drain inlets are larger, but there are exceptions.
If your business has floor drains, contact your local sanitary sewer treatment agency for requirements for discharging to the sanitary sewer.
Contact Information
- Stormwater Business Inspectors: Municipal Stormwater Inspectors visit commercial and industrial businesses to help them understand and comply with stormwater pollution control requirements.
- Sanitary Sewer Treatment Authorities: All discharges to sanitary sewer must be approved by your local sanitary sewer treatment authority.
- Local Hazardous Waste Regulator: The San Mateo County Environmental Health Division is the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for all areas of San Mateo County and can be reached at: (650) 372-6200.
Additional Resources
- CASQA Industrial/Commercial BMP Handbook Source Control BMP Fact Sheets
- Best Management Practices for Mobile Fueling: English