Develop and implement pollution prevention plans, targeting elimination and/or reduction of toxic substances, source reduction, reuse and recycling, and energy recovery for your business. Pollution prevention example plans are available and assistance regarding the planning basics. Further information can be found at these sites:

• EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

• TCEQ Pollution Prevention Planning and Technical Assistance

• Texas Groundwater Protection Committee Pollution Prevention

Hazardous materials that are not stored properly have much greater chances of entering the waterways. The Texas Administrative Code regulates industrial waste and municipal hazardous waste. Refer to the Secretary of State's website for details of the regulations.

Elements of proper hazardous materials storage can include:

• Maintaining Sufficient Aisle Space

• Storing Away from High Traffic Areas

• Stacking in Accordance with Manufacturers’ Directions

• Storing on Pallets

• Delegating Responsibility to Trained Hazardous Substance Management Personnel

• Covering or Enclosing Hazardous Materials Areas

• Considering the Usable Life of Container

For further information refer to Menu of BMPs: Hazardous Materials Storage. (U.S. EPA, July 2001).

Proper materials management involves the responsible selection, use, storage, and disposal of a product. These actions will help prevent the materials from entering waterways.

Key components of Materials Management include the following:

• Minimize Materials Used

• Minimize Waste Generated

• Routine Housekeeping

• Proper Collection and Disposal of Wastes

• Maintenance

• Regular Inspection

• Employee Training

• Materials Inventory: identify all substances; label all containers (name, unit number, expiration date, handling instructions, and health and environmental hazards); note hazardous chemicals

For further information refer to Menu of BMPs: Materials Management. (U.S. EPA, July 2001)

To protect storm drains from spills and leaks, a spill response and prevention plan should be developed. These plans include spill prevention measures, response procedures, cleanup procedures, reporting and training. Product substitution and use of recycled, reclaimed, and reused materials may reduce the toxic materials requiring a spill response and prevention plan.

Key components of the Spill Response and Prevention Plan include the following:

• Description of Facility, Address, Activities and Materials

• Identification of Spill Response Personnel

• Identification of Potential Spill Areas or Operations

• Identification of Areas Requiring Berms

• Facility Map (Including Areas, Activities, Materials, Structural BMPs etc.)

• Material Handling Procedures

• Spill Response Procedures: assessment of site and potential impacts; containment; notification; clean up; disposal; record keeping

Spill Prevention Measures in the plan may include the following:

• Install Leak Detection Devices, Overflow Controls, and Diversion Berms

• Disconnect Drains to Storm Sewer

• Preventative Maintenance

• Minimize Spills

• Product Substitution

• Recycle, Reclaim, or Reuse Materials

For further information refer to Menu of BMPs: Spill Response and Prevention. (U.S. EPA, July 2001).

Trash management involves source control and structural control to reduce the amount of trash present in stormwater and entering source waters.

Types:

• Source Control: waste reduction; public education; infrastructure; clean-up programs;

• Structural Control: filtration; centrifugal separation

For further information refer to Menu of BMPs: Trash Management. (U.S. EPA, July 2001).