GOLDEN RULE:
Remember that the
What Can I do at Home?
Yard Care
v
Don’t
fertilize or apply weed killers to your lawn before a forecasted rain shower –
chemicals will wash away. Only apply
recommended amounts.
v
Use slow
release natural fertilizers and low toxicity pest control products.
v
Sweep or
soak up chemicals spills on driveways and sidewalks.
v
Bag,
mulch, or compost yard waste. Don’t
sweep leaves, grass, and other debris into the gutter.
v
Select
plants and grasses which grow easily in
v
Control
sprinkler run-off by watering only when necessary, and aim sprinkler heads away
from paved surfaces.
v
Sweep
your driveway instead of hosing it down.
v
Control
erosion. Stabilize exposed soil areas to
prevent soil from eroding during rain events.
This is particularly important on steep slopes. The most cost-effective choice is to vegetate the area, preferable with a mulch or binder that
holds the soils.
Vehicle Care
v
Take your
vehicle to a car wash, or use non-phosphate, biodegradable detergents.
v
Dry up
oil spills or antifreeze into containers and seal them.
v
Drain
oil, lubricants, antifreeze into containers and seal them. Then contact the Fire Administration to find
out where to dispose of the chemicals at (540)375-3080.
v
Take used
oil, lubricants, and antifreeze to a designated gas station or recycling center
for disposal.
Household Care
v
Clean
rain gutters frequently
v
Do not
rinse paint cans, brushes, detergent pails, or other cleaning containers on
your driveway or the street.
v
Firmly
seal and store all used chemicals, and dispose of excess material at the
designated site given to you by the Fire Administration.
How can I educate my Employees?
v
Incorporate
storm water drainage education into the staff’s training programs.
v
Prepare
brief, informative presentations that can include speakers to introduce key
topics. It is important to educate the
employees about how practices at work can affect storm water. Regulations can be discussed and how they
will affect everyday activities, such as maintenance.
v
Post good
housekeeping signs wherever they are appropriate. Make items such as drip pans and spill kits
readily available at these locations to prevent spills and leaks from coming in
contact with storm water drains.
v
Consider
a recognition program for staff who regularly practice
environmental stewardship, teach others by their actions and are active in
developing pollution prevention solutions.