Phase II BMP & Measurable Goal Examples
POLLUTION PREVENTION/GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS MINIMUM MEASURE
Effective storm water management programs should start with municipal employees. Municipal crews can be educated about the impacts of their work on storm water quality to prevent pollution from municipal operations. Also, municipal crews can set a good example for citizens.
Hypothetical Case Study: Smalltown, USA, hopes to reduce the amount of pollutants generated by municipal operations that accumulate on ground surfaces and are transported by runoff to receiving waters. Because the appearance of algal blooms during spring and summer indicates a nutrient problem, the City plans to target municipal lawn and garden activities and spill prevention to reduce the amount of chemicals entering the MS4 through improper storage, use, and handling practices. They also intend to reduce the amount of salt applied to roads during winter road maintenance operations.
Minimum Measure Objective: Reduce the amount of nutrients entering receiving waters through education of municipal employees about lawn care activities, spill prevention and control, and vehicle washing.
BMP: Training program for grounds maintenance and landscaping crews
Measurable Goals: In the first year, develop a pollution prevention workshop for all municipal employees responsible for grounds maintenance and landscaping at public facilities. Once per year, hold an additional workshop for new employees and crew managers. Achieve a 40% reduction in fertilizer and pesticide use and a 25% reduction in water use after 3 years.
Justification: Grounds maintenance and landscaping crews use substantial quantities of water and artificial chemicals, the combination of which has led to elevated levels of nutrients and toxics in receiving waters. The workshop will emphasize the benefits of recycling organic material; reducing the use and planning the timing of application of chemicals and water; selecting native vegetation to reduce water, nutrient, and maintenance demand; and achieving cost savings through reduced labor and material inputs.
BMP: Develop spill prevention and control plans for municipal facilities
Measurable Goals: Develop plans describing spill prevention and control procedures by the end of Year 1. Conduct annual spill prevention and response training sessions for all municipal employees. Distribute educational materials, e.g., posters and pamphlets, to each municipal facility by the end of Year 2.
Justification: Municipal employees do not receive formal training in spill prevention and containment practices, but in recent years several spills have resulted in hazardous chemicals reaching the storm drain system due to improper handling and containment procedures. The poster, which will be posted in chemical storage and use areas, will describe materials and techniques that should be used to contain a spill as well as preventative measures that can reduce the likelihood of spills.
BMP: Incorporate the use of road salt alternatives for roadway deicing
Measurable Goals: During the 1st year, reduce the amount of road salt applied to roadways by 50% through the use of less-toxic alternatives, such as liquid calcium magnesium acetate (CMA).
Justification: CMA is just as effective as road salt at deicing, but it appears to be much less harmful to the environment and is less corrosive.
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