Resources for Local Businesses
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
In 1991, EPA finalized Phase I stormwater regulations that required many types of businesses to be covered by stormwater permits. The businesses were listed as industrial activities by their Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code number. If your business is on the SIC list of industrial activities, then you must now have a stormwater permit to address the stormwater discharges from your facility.
In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has authority over industrial stormwater permitting. The ODEQ has adopted a Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities (OKR05) that should be used when obtaining your permit coverage. The OKR05 permit at the ODEQ website includes forms and instructions for applying for coverage.
Why were some industrial activities selected in 1991 and not others? The decision was based upon an assessment of which types of industrial activities would have the greatest potential to contribute pollutants in stormwater runoff. Some of these activities apply to cities as well, for example operation of a sewage treatment plant.
If you are not on the 1991 list of industrial activities, this does not mean that you have no responsibility under Federal, State or local authority. It just means that you do not need to be separately permitted for your stormwater discharges. Pollution, regardless of source (with a few exceptions) is not allowed under Federal and State laws, and under many local ordinances.
If your business is within the city limits
or urbanized area of a Phase II stormwater city or county, there will be
specific local codes that prohibit pollution from your facility. These
Phase II cities and
counties
have their own General Permits that require them to enact local codes
and inspect and enforce against pollution within their jurisdiction.
Regardless of laws and regulations, every business owner should be mindful of the amount of waste and pollution that his/her business activities generate in stormwater runoff. It requires a new way of looking at your actions. For example, how do you store chemicals, clean up spills, wash off your sidewalks and parking lots, dispose of solid waste, and dispose of grease, oils and other chemicals?
Industrial
waste is not just from large industrial processes; it can be as simple
as allowing grease traps to overflow or dumpsters to leak fluids. Even
discarded milk, ice cream and juices from grocery stores can leak from
unlined dumpsters. Once washed into streams, these materials can cause
damaging growths of bacteria and algae which can harm aquatic life.
Power washing of parking lots can load a stream with trash, dirt and
chemicals which can harm stream life. These are but a few of the many
types of discharges that are not allowed. Cities and counties that have
their own stormwater permits are required to enforce against such
pollution.
Activities performed by a contractor hired by a business can place responsibilities on both the contractor and the business. A good example is commercial power washing of parking lots and vehicles. The power wash vendors have a direct responsibility to not cause contaminated runoff from their activities, but the business that hires them also has responsibility to ensure that their contractors do not cause water quality contamination. Both may be considered in violation of local or State rules governing stormwater quality in the event of pollution.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A BUSINESS OWNER:
Actions that a business can take are called Best Management Practices (BMPs). These can prevent or reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. In addition to helping reduce water pollution, many BMPs just make good business sense - it shows your customers that you care about your community, and it frequently gives your place of business a favorable make-over by having clean walkways and stored items neatly arranged and protected.
Below are a few types of businesses as examples of what can be done to control pollutants. Even if you do not own one of these types of businesses, many of the BMPs can be used universally.
General Considerations for all Businesses
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The management practices and suggestions for stormwater control measures provided in this website are for general information purposes only. Local municipal stormwater program managers or the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) should be contacted for specific guidance on what actions need to be taken to achieve full stormwater permit compliance. |
Rev. October 10, 2007