• Use alternative, safer, non-toxic, and/or recycled products;
• Reduce storm water flow across the site and redirect flows away from storm drains, gutters, and streets;
• Reduce the use of water and/or use dry methods;
• Recycle and reuse waste products and waste flows; and

Best Management Practices and Procedures  

GENERAL  
►       Maintain facility grounds and move or cover activities and materials to prevent contact with storm water.  
►       Promote native plants when possible to help conserve water filter impurities, reduce the need for toxic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides.  
►       Stencil on-site storm drains.  

IRRIGATION  
►       Use intermittent (pulse) or drip irrigation to conserve water and prevent discharges.
►       Regularly inspect irrigation systems for leaks to prevent excessive runoff from occurring.
►       Convert paved or bare soil areas to vegetation that will slow runoff (turf grasses or other comparable plant materials), if feasible.
►       Group plants with similar water needs together to improve irrigation efficiency.
►       During warm summer months, irrigate only after 6 PM and before 11 AM to reduce evaporation.

GARDEN WASTE DISPOSAL  
►       As of June 1, 2004, it is illegal to place green waste in the street.
►       Do not dispose of garden wastes in streets, waterways, or storm drains. 

CHEMICAL USAGE  

Storage and Disposal  
►       Implement storage requirements for pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer products with guidance from the local fire department and/or County Agricultural Commissioner.
►       Provide secondary containment for chemical storage.
►       Dispose of empty containers according to the instructions on the container label. 

Pesticide Usage  
►       Follow manufacturers’ recommendations and label directions.
►       Use the minimum amount of chemicals needed for the job.
►       Use pesticides only if there is an actual pest problem (not on a regular preventative schedule).  Avoid the use of copper-based pesticides, if possible.
►       Do not apply pesticides if rain is expected or if wind speeds are above 5 mph.
►       Do not mix or prepare pesticides within 100 feet of any well, stream, or pond.
►       Do not dispose of unused pesticides by washing them down the drains.  Dispose of unused pesticides as hazardous waste.
►       Employ techniques to minimize off-target applications (e.g. spray drift) of pesticides, including consideration of alternative application techniques.
►       Careful soil mixing and layering techniques using a topsoil mix or composted organic material can be used as an effective measure to reduce herbicide use and watering. 

Fertilizer Usage  
►       Periodically test soils to determine proper fertilizer use.
►       If feasible, spread out applications of controlled-release fertilizers and use split applications of soluble fertilizers over the growing season.
►       Work fertilizers into the soil rather than dumping or broadcasting them.
►       Transition from the use of soluble fertilizers to controlled-release fertilizers.  Use slow release fertilizers whenever possible to minimize leaching.  Reduce or eliminate routine leaching of crops. 

SPILL CONTROL  
►       Develop and maintain a spill response plan.
►       Place an adequate stockpile of spill cleanup materials where it will be readily available.
►       Spot clean leaks and drips routinely.
►       Clean leaks, drips, and other spills with as little water as possible.  Use rags for small spills, a damp mop for general cleanup, and dry absorbent material for larger spills.
►       Sweep pavement and sidewalk if chemicals are spilled on these surfaces before applying irrigation water.
►       Keep the spill from entering the street, gutter, or storm drain.
►       Do not use bleach or disinfectants if there is a possibility that rinse water could flow to a street, gutter, or storm drain.

Employee Training  
·          Train employees on these practices.
·          Train staff on the proper maintenance of the facility.
·          Train employees on the facility’s spill control plan and proper spill containment and cleanup procedures.
·          Establish a regular training schedule, train all new employees, and conduct annual refresher training.
·          Use a training log or similar method to document training.

PHONE NUMBERS