Businesses and organizations play a key role and are responsible for preventing pollution to stormwater runoff resulting from their practices. Clean Water staff work with businesses and organizations to develop strategies to protect water and meet local regulatory requirements through the Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) and source control programs. Staff provide technical assistance and resources to address pollution sources that have the potential to pollute local waterways such as leaking dumpsters, spills and dangerous wastes.
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| Pollution Prevention Assistance and Source Control |
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| Pollution Prevention Assistance |
| Report a spill or environmental concern |
| Source Control |
| Resources |
Pollution Prevention Assistance
Click here to request a visit. Please make the subject of your email "PPA visit".
Clark County participates in the Pollution Prevention Assistance program (PPA). Local PPA specialists provide technical assistance, free resources and cost sharing opportunities to help organizations protect employee health and stop pollution at its source.
The Pollution Prevention Partnership is comprised of representatives from cities, counties, and health districts. Funding assistance is provided by the Department of Ecology and allows the program to provide free hands-on-assistance to Small Quantity Generators (typically small businesses and organizations) who wish to improve their practices by reducing impacts to human health and the environment.
This is accomplished through technical assistance visits that are designed to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste and pollutants at the source. A local pollution prevention specialist will meet with your organization to evaluate current activities and practices. They will discuss concerns, observations, solutions, and work directly to help solve common challenges around dangerous wastes, stormwater, solid waste, and spill prevention. This collaborative process limits liability, reduces risk, and improves work environments.
If you would like to learn more about this program, contact your local specialist at cleanwater@clark.wa.gov (Make the subject of your email "Pollution Prevention Assistance information") or visit Ecology’s PPA website.
Here are some pollution prevention fundamentals and how PPA can help:
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Keep spill kits ready for use at your business. Get a free spill kit during your PPA visit.
When a spill or leak happens, quickly contain the liquid or materials.
Always keep a spill kit readily available and stocked near liquid materials.
Train employees on safe clean up protocols.
Restock spill kits immediately.
Report spills that reach the county storm sewer system or waterway. Call Ecology’s 24-Hour Spill SW Region Response Hotline at 360.407.6300
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Keep sources of pollution covered to keep rain out. Schedule a PPA visit to get a free 55-gallon drum lid.
Close dumpster lids to keep rain water out. "Dumpster juice" collects when liquids get in your dumpster and can leak out or spill when emptied.
Cover dirty or oily materials with a tarp to keep those pollutants from contaminating storm water.
If your business keeps materials in drums, use a drum lid to keep rain water out. This protects the life of the drum and the contents, while minimizing pollution risks.
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Wash water is wastewater and cannot be released to storm drains. Here are some tips to keep your organization clean without polluting:
Do not wash in areas that drain to storm drains.
Never add water to spills – use absorbents, sweep up and dispose in trash.
Use a broom to sweep litter into the trash.
Dump mop or wash water into an indoor drain connected to sanitary sewer.
Inspect containers regularly for leaks and fix/replace immediately.
Post signs to remind employees of proper use of containers, including filling, storing and keeping a lid securely closed.
Report A Spill or Environmental Concern
To report spills, dumping into surface water or storm drains, and illicit sewer and wastewater connections to the stormwater drainage system, call: Washington Department of Ecology 24-Hour Spill SW Region Response Hotline at 360.407.6300.
Source Control Program
Controlling pollution at the source to prevent it from polluting water is the most efficient and effective way businesses can protect water. Clark County’s Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit requires the Clean Water Division to implement a source control program that reduces pollutants in runoff through best management practices (BMPs), inspections and enforcement. Clark County's Stormwater Manual 2021, Book 3 provides regulations and BMPs for pollution source control. While Clean Water staff begin source control visits with outreach and technical assistance, the regulatory nature of this program differentiates it from the PPA program.
Resources
Find tools and resources to prevent pollution at your business or property!
Technical Assistance - Clark County provides support to property managers and local businesses to ensure their stormwater system is functioning properly. For more information, contact at 564.397.4493.
Stormwater Partners of SW Washington - Find local information for preventing pollution, responding to spills and maintaining private stormwater features at Stormwater Partners.
Clark County Green Business Program - Cut costs, conserve resources and get recognized for your organization’s stewardship efforts through the Green Business program. Email info@clarkgreenbiz.com for inquires.
Spill prevention plan - Inventory your business to reduce the risk of spills.
Vehicle leak prevention - If you see dark spots on the pavement, your vehicles may be leaking. Fix it!
LINK Stormwater facilities – Learn what you need to do with your organization’s on-site stormwater facility.