Best Management Practices

Erosion Control

The following guidelines can help control erosion of dirt, rock and other debris with the eroded material being carried into the storm system by runoff.

  1. Cover or seed piles.
  2. Use and maintain settling ponds.
  3. Compact soils well.
  4. Don't run water over steep slopes, loose dirt, or loose rock.
  5. Avoid long, steep slopes.
  6. Use hay, wattles, or similar material to slow water.
  7. Use silt fences to contain eroded material.
  8. Do not store or leave loose material in waterways.
  9. Phase construction to minimize exposed dirt and loose rock areas.
  10. Use rock, filter cloth, or other material over storm drain inlets to filter eroded material out of the water.
  11. Place containment barriers around all exterior storage areas.
  12. Stay on designated trails and roads. Treading on new ground can cause erosion.

Dirt & Dust Control

These suggestions are intended to control dirt and dust being washed off of surfaces and carried to the storm system by runoff.

  1. Cover or seed piles.
  2. Keep dirt piles moist.
  3. Don't track mud onto streets and sidewalks.
  4. Avoid working in muddy conditions.
  5. Maintain and refresh rock pads in the entrance to construction areas and keep tires clean.
  6. Sweep sidewalks, driveways, and street areas rather than washing them down.
  7. Use rock, filter cloth, or other material over storm drain inlets to filter silt out of the water.

Trash & Debris Control

Limit the amount of trash and garbage reaching the storm system by following these steps:

  1. Put solid waste into trash containers, not the wash.
  2. Put cups, wrappings, bags, and other trash in trash cans. Do not litter.
  3. Put landscape clippings and other vegetative waste into trash cans.
  4. Make sure that trash cans are not overfilled on windy days.
  5. Businesses should provide adequate and easily located trash receptacles for customers.
  6. Discard diapers, bottles, cans, cigarette butts, string, and other debris in trash cans, not on sidewalks, streets, or the ground.
  7. Carry a trash bag for trash when driving or hiking. Do not throw trash on the ground.
  8. Do not drain trash can or other container wash water to the storm drain or other drain ways.

Oil, Grease & Gasoline Control

The following are ways to reduce the amount of oil, grease, and gasoline related to cars and trucks from reaching the storm drain systems.

  1. Have oil and grease changed at professional mechanic's shop.
  2. Wash your vehicles at a commercial car wash. If not feasible, wash your vehicle on lawn or other unpaved surface to reduce the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm system and other local retention basins.
  3. If you change your own automotive fluids, collect them in a proper container that can be capped and take them to a recycling center. Keep oil separated from antifreeze.
  4. Parking lot drainage should be filtered prior to being discharged to the town system or offsite.
  5. Maintain the filter devices or area by periodically removing the filter material and replacing it with fresh filter material.
  6. Keep the area around grease traps and grease containers free of dripping or spilled oil and grease.
  7. Use absorbent material to collect spills and dispose and swept materials property.
  8. Sweep streets and parking lots frequently.
  9. Take used oil and antifreeze to a household hazardous waste event or to an auto parts store that accepts such wastes for safe recycling or disposal.

Miscellaneous Tips

The items listed are ways to reduce the introduction of pollutants into the storm system.

  1. Do not connect the sanitary sewer or other waste piping to the storm system.
  2. Do not wash paint, solvents, concrete, or other construction materials into the storm system.
  3. Pick up after your animals. Scoop poop.
  4. Place containment barriers around all exterior chemical storage areas.
  5. Do not overuse pesticides, insecticides, or solvents.
  6. Store fertilizers indoors, under a roof and use slow release, natural fertilizers. Do not apply fertilizer before a storm; this increases the chance of toxins to enter the environment.
  7. If you see a person disposing of chemicals on the ground or abandoning a container on the street or at a park, call the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at 602-207-2330 (emergency response line) or 602-207-4153 (non-emergency response).