Stormwater Quality Professional Business Practices

Stormwater Quality and how you can help

Scenic river flowing over large rocks in the foreground, surrounded by trees displaying vibrant fall foliage, with a bridge spanning the river in the background.

The storm drainage system is designed to collect stormwater — rain and snow melt — and release it directly to Larimer County waterways, untreated. Pollutants are transported in stormwater as rain and snowmelt travel across surfaces such as lawns, roads and parking lots. This picks up substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil, trash and sediments before entering the waterways. Contaminants that enter the waterways degrade the quality of the source of our drinking water and the quality of fish and wildlife habitats. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that stormwater runoff does not jeopardize the quality of the waterways. Implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and good housekeeping practices will help ensure a safe work environment and a cleaner water source for years to come.

Good Housekeeping Practices for Businesses, Auto Shops, Restaurants, Landscapers, and Builders/Remodelers:

  • Cleaning
  • Material Storage
  • Spills Cleaners and Solvents
  • Oil and Grease
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Landscape Chemicals
  • Erosion and Sediment Control

If there is a spill that has impacted or may impact Larimer County's waters, please contact: 

Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 
(970) 498-6775 
Emergency Preparedness

Health Department staff can assess the threat to public health and/or the environment and provide information on cleanup procedures.

After business hours, please contact 911 for assistance.

Professional business practices, and an effective training program, can improve water quality in Larimer County.

Cleaning

  • Use non-toxic substitutes for chemicals whenever possible.
  • Control litter by sweeping and picking up trash regularly.
  • Sweep shop floors, materials processing and storage areas, access roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Do not wash down with a hose.
  • Properly contain and dispose of wash water, sweepings, and sediments.

Material Storage

  • Prevent spills from entering storm drains and discharge points.
  • Keep outdoor storage containers in good condition.
  • Use secondary containment measures for material and waste storage areas.

Spills

  • Clean up spills immediately to minimize safety hazards and prevent spills from reaching a storm drain inlet.
  • Use absorbent materials to clean small spills rather than hosing down the area. Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly. 

Landscape

  • Whenever possible, use chemical alternatives, or low-toxic chemicals.
  • Use landscaping pesticides and fertilizers only as needed.
  • Avoid over-watering to prevent excess runoff.

Material Storage

  • Store all containers under cover to protect from rain and snow.
  • Use secondary containment devices or construct dikes/curbs to contain any possible leaks.
  • Close and secure any opened containers.

Spills

  • Keep a spill kit appropriate for the materials you use handy and stocked, ready for use.
  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Use absorbent material or containment berms for liquid spills.
  • Always use dry methods to clean spills (sweeping) and never hose down the area.

Cleaners and Solvents

  • Read labels carefully and follow directions.
  • Dispose of unused portions properly and follow appropriate cleanup practices.
  • Collect wastes for recycling or proper disposal.
  • Whenever possible, purchase water based cleaning products. Look for products labeled
    • "nontoxic"
    • "readily biodegradable."

Trash

  • Prevent polluted runoff by covering all dumpsters and replace leaky ones.
  • Keep the area around the dumpsters free of trash.
  • Ensure trash is properly bagged before placing it in the dumpster.

Good Housekeeping Practices

  • Avoid spilling onto floors or other surfaces through good housekeeping.
  • Clean up spills immediately to minimize safety hazards and prevent spills from reaching a storm drain inlet.
  • Use absorbent materials to clean small spills rather than hosing down the area. Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly.

Cleaning

  • Keep outside areas ( dumpsters, parking lots, etc.) free of trash and debris, and regularly clean them to prevent pollutant buildup.
  • Control litter by sweeping and picking up trash on a regular basis.
  • Sweep up outside areas rather than washing them down.
  • Do not dump mop water or wash floor mats or kitchen equipment outside.
    • Pour mop water and wash water into the mop sink or floor drains.
    • Take floor mats to a local car wash for cleaning.
  • Whenever possible, purchase water based cleaning products. Look for products labeled
    • "nontoxic,"
    • "non-petroleum based,"
    • "ammonia-free,"
    • "phosphate-free,"
    • "dye and perfume-free,"
    • "readily biodegradable."

Oil and Grease

  • Regularly inspect and clean out grease traps and interceptors.
  • Always use proper oil and grease recycling receptacles. Never dump oil and grease wastes into storm drains or onto parking lots.
  • Use care to avoid spills when taking used oil to the grease receptacle.

Material Storage

  • Store all containers holding powder and liquid materials under cover to protect from rain and snow. Use secondary containment devices or construct dikes/curbs to contain any possible leaks.
  • Keep containers closed and secure.
  • Store soil and mulch piles in contained areas where they cannot be washed into the storm drainage system. When these materials are transported for use on site, store them on the lot and out of the street where they won't be washed into the street and storm drain system with overspray from irrigation or stormwater.

Fertilizers, Herbicides and Pesticides

  • Whenever possible, use chemical alternatives, or low-toxic chemicals.
  • Follow manufacturer's recommendations for safe use and disposal.
  • Use the smallest amount necessary. Apply at optimal times for the specific application.

Equipment Maintenance

  • Inspect vehicles and equipment for leaks regularly. Fix problems as soon as possible.
  • When draining fluids, use a drip pan and/or funnel to prevent any spills.
  • Keep a cleanup kit of safety equipment and absorbent material, such as kitty litter or sand for spills. Never hose down streets or sidewalks to clean. Use a broom and properly dispose of sweepings.

Cleaners and Solvents

  • Read labels carefully and follow directions.
  • Dispose of unused portions properly.
  • Follow good cleanup practices.
  • Whenever possible, purchase water based cleaning products. Look for products labeled
    • "nontoxic,"
    • "non-petroleum based,"
    • "ammonia-free,"
    • "phosphate-free,"
    • "readily biodegradable"

General

  • Periodically inspect the outdoor material storage areas to ensure that all materials are being stored properly when not in use.
  • Clean the material storage area when necessary.
  • Properly dispose of unneeded materials.
  • Store materials in a manner that reduces the potential for transport in stormwater flows.

Material Storage

  • Store all containers under cover to protect from rain and snow.
  • Store containers in locations where they will not be accidentally damaged by vehicles.
  • Provide tight-fitting lids for all containers.
  • Inspect storage containers regularly for signs of leaking or deterioration.
  • Replace or repair leaking storage containers.
  • Use care to avoid spills when transferring materials from one container to another.
  • Use powered equipment or get assistance when moving bulk materials to and from a storage area.

Loose Materials

  • Consolidate loose material and berm where needed to prevent contaminated run-off of stormwater.
  • Large inert materials such as piping can be stored outside without protective covering.

Hazardous Materials

  • Identify all hazardous materials stored at the facility.
  • Keep Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous chemical.
  • Clearly label all containers with
    • material name
    • chemical, unit number
    • expiration date
    • handling instructions
    • health and environmental standards
  • Provide special handling, storage (e.g., metal lockers), and disposal for all hazardous materials.

Engineering Department - Stormwater

Attn Stormwater
200 West Oak Street, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 1190
Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190

(970) 498-5703
Citizen Request Portal