Preventing Pollution from Private and Public Property

In 2023, the City of Kenmore implemented a new inspection program to help prevent stormwater pollution from businesses and public properties with known higher-risk pollutant generating activities. This program is called "Source Control" and is required through the City's NPDES Permit. By taking action to prevent pollution from high-risk sites, this program will help keep our streams, lakes, and Puget Sound healthy for residents, businesses, and wildlife.

The Source Control program focuses on preventing pollution from outdoor activities that could be carried by rain or other water sources into natural waterways or the public stormwater system, or leach into groundwater systems. City staff will work with property owners and staff at sites with known activities that could generate water pollution to identify and implement appropriate pollution prevention measures. These preventative measures are called BMPs (best management practices). BMPs are devices and actions that help prevent pollution.

Common BMPs include:

Spill Kit: Have a spill kit and spill plan prepared in case of a spill. Train staff on where to find and how to use the spill kit. Use this guide to create a spill kit. 

Hazardous Materials: Store hazardous materials (e.g., oil, gas, chemical products, etc.) inside your building or in a covered area outdoors. Store hazardous materials in a secondary containment device. Never store hazardous materials near or uphill of a storm drain.

Dumpsters: Always close dumpster lids to prevent rain water from corroding dumpsters and causing leaks. Swap out dumpsters and trash compactors if they have holes. 

Only Rain Down the Drain: Never direct or allow wash water to drain into storm drains. Hot water from pressure washing, soaps, and the debris and chemicals collected in wash water during cleaning are all pollutants that can harm fish and wildlife in our natural waterways.

Other BMPs may be needed to prevent pollution at your site.  Knowing what pollution/illicit discharge looks like is the first step: How to Identify Pollution. 

To learn more about the BMPs that may be required at your site, see the  2021 King County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Manual