The City of Springfield’s Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires the City to implement a program to monitor and control pollutants in stormwater discharges from industrial and high risk facilities. City inspectors regularly inspect facilities covered under state operating permits for motor vehicle salvage, metal fabrication, concrete manufacturing, chemical production and a variety of other industrial activities. If you are a permitted facility and are interested in ways that you can improve your site, you can request a compliance assistance visit. Please contact Sarah Davis at 417-380-2817 or via email at [email protected].
Learn how Low Impact Development (LID) can improve your site's stormwater runoff.
Training
View our Industrial Site Compliance Training Powerpoint
Yard Ethic Business: Make Nature Work For You
Common Pollutants
Common pollutants associated with industrial activity include total suspended solids (TSS), heavy metals, oil/grease, and pH. These pollutants can be minimized through implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
BMP Options
BMPs may be structural or non-structural in nature. You can improve the appearance of your facility and reduce potential for pollution by implementing the BMPs listed below:
- Let the grass grow! Mow less often to allow vegetation to grow taller, making it more efficient in stormwater capture and pollutant removal.
- Sweep paved surfaces to remove sediment. Sediment often binds to a variety of chemicals and metals and carries these pollutants downstream during rain events.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles for leaks/spills. Use drip pans and oil dry to capture leaking fluids.
- Regularly collect windblown trash and debris. It may be helpful to add trash cans throughout the facility and/or incorporate regular “clean-up” days.
- Properly manage wash-water. Wash-water should be captured and reclaimed to prevent discharge to surface waters.
- Take a look at your stormwater system. Make sure ditches, channels and inlets are free of accumulated sediment and debris. Look for areas of erosion, as this contributes to suspended solids downstream. Identify the location of your “outfall(s),” locations where runoff leaves the facility. This is the last place you can slow and treat stormwater and may be a good location for a structural BMP, such as filter sock, oil booms, grass filter strip, etc.
- Minimize exposure of potential pollutants. Keep dumpsters covered with lids or tarps. When possible, store stockpiles and product under cover.
