Measure 6b: Inspection and evaluation of facilities
and operations

“Develop an inventory of all facilities and operations owned and operated by the permittee with the potential for generating polluted stormwater runoff. Specifically inspect the potential sources of polluted runoff, the stormwater controls, and conveyance systems. Evaluate the sources, document deficiencies, plan corrective actions and document the accomplishment of corrective actions.”

The first step in developing an O & M program is to inventory all of the facilities and operations that you own and operate with the potential for generating polluted runoff, including:

Storage areas for sand, salt, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals,
Vehicle fueling, storage and maintenance areas,
Solid and hazardous waste management facilities and recycling centers,
Water and sewer treatment systems,
Animal shelters and pounds,
Parking lots, and
Locally owned and operated parks and open space.

When you visit each facility, you will specifically inspect the potential sources of polluted runoff and the stormwater controls and conveyance systems. By examining your facilities’ propensity for polluted runoff, you can help identify and correct shortcomings. Sources of polluted runoff and stormwater BMPs should be evaluated and problems should be noted and corrected. This is an ongoing process that should be conducted every year.

When you inspect your facilities, bring a camera! When you see examples of good stormwater management or areas that need improvement, document them on your camera. Then, you can show photos of your own facilities during the pollution prevention/good housekeeping training you present to your staff.

Below is a list of some of the pollution prevention and good housekeeping measures associated with each type of municipal facility. See the inspection form link under each facility type for guidance about how to conduct the inspection.

Storage areas for sand, salt, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals

Storage areas can cause a lot of pollution if they are not managed properly. See the Storage Area Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Cover storage areas whenever possible.
Maintain an organized inventory of materials - know what you have in the shop or yard.
Ensure all containers are in good condition and properly stored, labeled, and closed.
Label and track recycling of waste materials.
Have a spill cleanup and prevention plan.
Use precautions to avoid spills and clean them up promptly if they do happen.
Keep rags and absorbents on hand to clean up spills. Clean up without water if possible.
Sweep or dry mop whenever frequently, especially outside.

Vehicle fueling, storage and maintenance areas

When you remember that a single quart of oil can create a 2-acre oil slick, it is easy to see how important it is to prevent pollution associated with municipal vehicles. See the Vehicle Fueling, Storage and Maintenance Area Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Use drip pans when changing oil and recycling used oil.
Keep vehicles tuned up to avoid drips and leaks.
Inspect for leaks, malfunctions, and staining on or around vehicles and equipment.
Properly dispose oil, antifreeze and batteries.
Do not leave full drip pans or other open containers of used liquids sitting around.
Wash vehicles in an area that drains to a sanitary sewer or other treatment system.
Cover fueling areas if possible to reduce exposure to rainfall
Sweep or use other dry methods rather than hose down the fuel area for cleaning.
Post signs warning against “topping off.”
Inspect and maintain oil water separators.

Solid and hazardous waste management facilities and recycling centers

See the Solid and Hazardous Waste Facility and Recycling Center Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Keep trash dumpster lids closed.
Post signs on dumpsters that prohibit improper disposal of liquid, hazardous or harmful waste, and recyclable materials such as batteries, aerosol cans, and tires.
Pick up dropped trash and sweep dumpster areas frequently.
Clean up wastes with a broom rather than water.
Keep liquid wastes out of dumpsters.
Do not put any hazardous or harmful wastes in dumpsters or trash containers.
Do not put any wastes in storm drains or municipal sewers.
If your dumpster leaks, get it fixed or get a new one.

Water and sewer treatment systems

See the Water and Sewer Treatment System Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Cover storage areas whenever possible.
Maintain an organized inventory of materials.
Ensure all containers are in good condition and properly stored, labeled, and closed.
Label and track recycling of waste materials.
Have a spill cleanup and prevention plan.
Use precautions to avoid spills and clean them up promptly if they do happen.
Keep rags and absorbents on hand to clean up spills. Clean up without water if possible.
Sweep or dry mop whenever frequently, especially outside.
Inspect condition of tanks, piping, pumps, and any secondary containment. Look for any signs of leaks or deterioration.
Inspect general housekeeping.

Animal shelters and pounds

See the Animal Shelter/Pound Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Send animal waste to the wastewater treatment system (not the storm sewer).
Cover storage areas whenever possible.
Maintain and organized inventory of materials.

Parking Lots

See the Parking Lot Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Pick up trash and debris.
Check for eroded areas that need to be stabilized.
Inspect for signs of leaks and staining on or around vehicles and equipment.

Locally owned and operated parks

See the Parks and Open Space Inspection Form for inspection guidance. Some of the most important practices are:

Use the correct amount of pesticides or fertilizers.
Properly dispose of yard waste.

Measure 6b: Inspection and evaluation of facilities and operations