Hotels and Motels

It is illegal to allow anything other than rain water to be discharged to a storm drain.

Wash water, irrigation water, and leaks from vehicles or equipment should never be allowed to be transported into a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain. If discharged or disposed of improperly, materials such as solvents, dirt, and soapy water can be harmful to water quality and creek habitats.

Individuals and businesses that improperly handle and dispose of non-stormwater materials down the storm drain are both subject to civil and criminal prosecution.

Best Practices:

Building Maintenance

  • Store cleaning chemicals inside.  Use safer alternative products when possible.

  • Construction materials such as concrete, dry wall, dirt, and paint need to be stored under a waterproof cover.

  • Drain carpet cleaning and mop waste water to an inside drain.

Landscaping

  • Haul landscape clippings and leaves away.

  • Use natural non-toxic products. If you must use traditional products, spot apply only.

  • Don’t spray chemicals if rain or high wind is forecasted.

  • Keep fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide application away from creeks, ponds, and ditches. Spraying within 100 feet of these features requires a permit from the State.

Parking Areas

  • Use dry cleanup methods (i.e. broom or vacuum). Avoid hosing down or pressure washing areas.

  • Clean up wet or oily spots with rags and absorbent or a designated mop.

  • Label storm drain inlets with simple messaging such as “No Dumping, Drains to Creek” with a clear picture or symbol.

Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas

  • Never empty swimming pool water and chemicals to the storm drain.  They must be drained to the sanitary sewer.

  • When cleaning pool filters, all collected materials and debris must go into the garbage.

Are You Ready to Respond to a Spill?

  • Have a written plan.

  • Train employees annually on storm water regulations, spill response, personal safety, and hazardous waste handling and disposal.

  • Have spill cleanup materials onsite.

  • Have Safety Data Sheets for all products used.

For an emergency or a spill involving hazardous materials or hazardous waste call 911 or your local Fire Department.

For All Non-Emergency / Non-Hazardous Spills

  • To report a Non-Hazardous spill, or for other useful phone numbers, see Spill Numbers informational reference sheet for your local agency contact information or visit: www.streetstocreeks.org/spill-numbers/