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Source Control Business Inspections
The Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (Permit) requires the City of Everett to implement a program to prevent and reduce pollutants in runoff from existing businesses (publicly and privately owned institutional, commercial and industrial sites) that discharge to the City’s storm drainage system.
- Why are businesses being inspected?
- What is required at your business?
- What can I expect during an inspection?
- What types of businesses will be inspected?
Businesses play a significant role in preventing pollution and helping to manage stormwater. Following best management practices (BMPs) and adhering to regulations can save your business money, help protect local streams and support a positive public image.
Many businesses utilize large areas of impervious surfaces like parking lots, roads and rooftops. As rain flows across your business property it can pick up pollutants such as dirt, oil, litter, heavy metals and other pollutants resulting from activities performed outside and uncovered. The storm drainage system collects this stormwater runoff and carries it to the nearest wetland, lake or stream. The storm drainage systems are meant to carry only unpolluted stormwater to the nearest body of water. It is the responsibility of businesses to prevent pollution and release of toxic chemicals from their property and operational practices.
Applicable operational source control best management practices (BMPs) are required for all pollutant-generating sources, but they might not be enough to prevent pollution. Structural source control BMPs, treatment BMPs/facilities, or both, shall be required for pollutant-generating sources if operational source control BMPs do not prevent the pollution from occurring. Washington State Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (Volume IV Source Control BMPs) provides the source control BMPs.
Business source control inspections began in 2023. During a typical inspection, the inspector will complete the following:
- Visit loading, storage and process areas
- Observe facility operations
- Possibly examine records (spill logs, SWPPP, chemical storage inventory, etc.)
- Check facility storm drains, which connect to the city’s storm drainage system, for signs of pollution
- Review secondary containment needs
- Ask questions about your business practices
- Provide technical assistance
City of Everett works with local property owners and businesses to stop stormwater pollution at its source. Sources such as leaking dumpsters, trash, illegal dumping of materials, fuel spills, car wash water, and other waste or process water have the potential to pollute and damage our local waterways.
If the inspector finds something out of compliance with the source control guidelines (Everett Municipal Code 14.28.130 Source Control Requirements), they will make recommendations on how to correct the deficiencies and offer technical support. The inspectors work with the businesses to address the problems and assist in any needed areas.
Most deficiencies or prescribed corrective actions are resolved through a site visit, but sometimes enforcement action must be taken through the Everett Municipal Code 14.28.150(D) Surface and Storm Drainage ordinance - enforcement.
- Automotive
- View best management practices for auto dealers, auto shops and auto wrecking
- Commercial
- Education
- Garden and lawn
- Gas
- View best management practices for gas stations
- Government
- Health
- Industrial
- Manufacturing
- Multifamily apartments
- Restaurant
- Review best management practices for restaurants and hood cleaning
- Transportation
- Veterinarian/animal handling
- Warehouse
Report pollution or emergent drainage issues 24-hrs
Phone: 425-257-8821
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Elaine Lytle
Source Control InspectorPhone: 425-870-4021