What: Make sure waste pipes are not connected to the stormwater system.
Why:Process waste, wash-down water or hazardous substances from your site will be draining untreated into the stormwater network and polluting local waterways and is a fineable offence.
What: When cleaning vehicles all waste water should be washed down a sewer rather than stormwater grates.
Why: During cleaning hydrocarbons, heavy metals (from brakes), detergents and dirt from vehicles can contaminate waterways. A discharge of contaminants to stormwater from commercial or industrial sites is a fineable offence.
Vehicle and equipment washing.
What: Regularly inspect all stormwater sumps. Check that only stormwater – clean rainfall runoff – gets into your stormwater system.
Why: Stormwater systems are the most likely path along which contaminants will leave a site. Look for possible contamination and to see if any sediment and surface pollutants need to be removed. Build up of these can block or reduce the effectiveness of stormwater sumps.
Good practices: Water Pre-treatment.
What: Confirm your site drainage plan and label stormwater drains in blue and sewer drains in red.
Why: One of the most common reasons for water pollution incidents is a lack of awareness of the purpose of drains. Blue indicates drains that should only carry stormwater and red indicates others that should carry sewage/ trade waste and contaminated waste or process water.
What: Inspect oil interceptors and other treatment devices at least once a month.
Why: To remain effective and hold contaminated runoff these systems require regular maintenance to remove sediments and/or surface contaminants.
If/when cleaning is required you need to ensure that your waste is disposed of appropriately by your contractor. If it is not, you and your contractor are liable. Remember to always recharge your interceptor after cleaning.
Industrial pollution prevention.
What: At least once a month inspect the last stormwater sump or lift the last manhole lid on the stormwater pipes.
Why: This will let you know if any unacceptable discharges are occurring on your site and getting into the stormwater network.
What: Prevent spills using funnels, drip trays, buckets or other devices to catch decanting losses.
Why: You may be losing valuable site materials as well as draining contaminants untreated in Christchurch's stormwater network.
What: Regularly check all valves, pumps, flanges, seals and pipe connection points for storage and delivery areas on your site. Fully drain pipes after filling and when transferring materials.
Why: Leaking equipment or spills during filling can lead to contaminates getting into the stormwater network. Remember to check any pipe work that passes over roof tops and that no pipes are leaking into your spouting and downpipes that discharge to local waterways untreated.
What: Clean up spills immediately.
Why: Any spilt substances can drain untreated into Christchurch's stormwater network and waterways. Spills not cleaned up can be washed into the stormwater during the next rain.
Spills management.
What: Locate skips away from stormwater drains and preferably on sealed ground.
Why: Skips can leak or staff may drop waste when filling skips, and these could get into nearby stormwater sumps. On sealed surfaces discharges from your skip can be seen and cleaned up before contamination gets into your stormwater sump.
What: Minimise any work/activities done outside. If this is not possible then do it away from stormwater sumps. Keep yards, outdoor work areas, car parks and other surfaces that drain into stormwater clean and tidy.
Why: There may be a greater risk of an incident or accident where a contaminant can drain off your site and into Christchurch's stormwater network.
What: Regularly check drip trays to ensure they are not overflowing and are regularly emptied.
Why: Overflowing drip trays can lead to contaminants draining or being washed untreated in Christchurch's stormwater network.
What: Cover, label and manage all waste and recycling skips with accurate, easy to read and up to date information.
Why: Covering prevents rainwater entering and leaching contaminants out of bins into stormwater drains. Labelling prevents waste being put in the wrong container and contaminating valuable recyclables. Instruct staff on what should or should not be placed in skips or bins. Some site have someone who regularly checks skips to make sure they are covered and the right bin is used.
What: Implement clear, relevant staff procedures for loading, unloading and transferring materials.
Why: If your loading or unloading areas have stormwater sumps nearby then staff need to know what to do in the event of a spill. Some older sites have old operational stormwater sumps inside sheds or under loading canopies – check these too.