What is the Source Control Program?
The Source Control (SC) Program is designed to serve as a partnership between businesses, property owners and the City of Auburn to manage and reduce pollutants at the source, before they can enter local waterways. This is accomplished by implementing Source Control Best Management Practices (BMPs). These BMPs target pollutants like fertilizers, paint, oil, grease and wash water that originate from daily site activities, spill incidents, improper disposal and other indirect sources.
The Source Control Program has three main components: education, inspections and enforcement. Representatives of City of Auburn will visit local businesses and provide technical assistance and education to businesses and property owners to help them understand the role they play in protecting local waterbodies such as the Green River and White River. Inspections will be performed at qualifying sites with the goal of identifying potential pollutant sources and recommending activity specific BMPs. Failure to implement BMPs may lead to enforcement action.
Why is the City implementing a SC program?
The City of Auburn and other Phase II municipalities have implemented a Source Control Program as a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Is this program backed by city code?
Does my business qualify for an inspection?
Common business with the potential to pollute include but are not limited to:
- Food service establishments,
- Gas stations, automotive shops, car dealerships, car detailing
- Construction trades
- Landscaping and nurseries
- Manufacturers and fabricators
- Municipal sites
- Mobile businesses
An example list of qualifying business types by industrial classification code can be found in Appendix 8 of the NPDES Permit.
When will inspections happen?
The City is required to inspect 20% of the total number of businesses deemed “potentially pollutant generating” annually, which began in 2023. City staff will arrive during regular business hours to inspect the site. Staff may also reach out to schedule an inspection if necessary.
What will the inspections involve?
City Staff will visit the site and discuss the operations and practices of the business. A site inspection will cover any liquid or waste storage areas, the dumpster area and anything else that may be relevant. There will be a discussion of additional BMPs that the business needs (if any).
How can I prepare?
There are some practices that many businesses can implement that will reduce or prevent pollution:
- Sweep outside areas regularly
- Keep the dumpster area clean and dumpster lids closed
- Dump mop water into a mop sink, indoor drain or drain that leads to the sewer
- Clean up spills immediately and dispose of waste properly, do not hose spills or waste into storm drains
- Keep chemicals and liquids inside or undercover
- Use a tarp to protect piles of materials stored outside, such as soil, crushed concrete, asphalt mix, etc., to prevent material and pollutants from washing into storm drains
- When pressure washing use only cold water without soap and add drain protection
- Move activities indoors to prevent stormwater contamination
- Avoid stockpiling unneeded materials or waste
For more information on BMPs, the Department of Ecology has issued the Stormwater Management Manual of Western Washington which contains BMPs your business may need to use or be required to use. The best options for your specific business will be discussed when an inspection takes place.
What happens if issues are found?
City staff will identify required actions to address any pollution-related issues found during the inspection. The City will include a timeline of compliance, some items may take time to resolve (e.g. ordering secondary containment or a spill kit) while others may require an immediate response (e.g. covering an exposed container or addressing a container leak outside).
Business Resources
The following resources can be used to reduce business costs and help prevent pollution
- Hazardous Waste Business Incentives
- Businesses may be eligible to receive financial and technical assistance, including up to a $599 reimbursement for improvements that protect your workers and the environment.
- Storm Drainage Utility
- Auburn Spill Hotline to report dumping or spills
- Pollution prevention supply and equipment providers, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list, and the City of Auburn makes no recommendation on any distributor who sells BMPs.
- Food truck and farmers market vendor course
- Are you a food truck owner looking to make sure you are meeting stormwater requirements? The above course can help you ensure stormwater compliance, preventing pollution and disruptive corrective action to keep your business running smoothly.