Best Management Practices (BMPs) are precautions and simple everyday operating practices and devices that prevent pollution at the source.

• Sweep driveways instead of hosing them down.
• Don’t allow leaves or green waste to accumulate; compost or dispose of them properly (not along creek banks).
• Use Bay-Friendly Landscaping andEco-Wise gardening methods. Adopt integrated pest management (IPM) methods. Minimize the use of chemicals around your home.
• Consider installing rain gardens to treat stormwater run-off on your property.
• Use a cistern to collect roof runoff to water your garden.
• Consider replacing paved areas with more pervious materials that allow water to percolate into the ground.
• Oversee your contractors to ensure they are not illicitly discharging pollutants to the storm drain system.
• Never clean-out paint brushes or tools in the gutter (where waste water will flow to the storm drain and impact waterways.) Even latex paint negatively affects water quality.
• Remember street sweeping days and move your cars and trash/recycle bins to allow street sweepers to access the street. Also, remind your neighbors!
• Discharge your pool/spa/fountain into the sanitary sewer or onto landscaping.
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash, where waste water is treated and recycled.
• Organize litter clean-ups in the neighborhood and volunteer for creek restoration events.

• Prevent storm water from coming in contact with work areas, especially maintenance areas and material storage areas, in order to prevent the discharge of contaminants.
• Store materials under roofs or coverings such as tarps, and on paved areas that are bermed or curbed, in order to prevent contact with storm water.
• Keep dumpsters closed and keep property free from accumulated trash.
• Use drip pans under leaking vehicles, equipment and work areas; better yet, have leaks repaired.
• Secure hazardous waste storage areas to prevent unpermitted access and vandalism.
• Use shop vacs, vacuum trucks and/or mechanical sweepers to periodically clean work areas and parking lots.
• Clean out on-site catch basins regularly. At a minimum, do so before the rainy season (October).
• Clean up spills and leaks immediately using dry methods such as shop rags and absorbents.
• Train employees in pollution prevention. Explain the reason for the change in procedure in order for behavior modification to be most effective. Reinforce training regularly.
• Communicate BMPs with signage and document spill notification, training, clean-up procedures and spill kit management.
• Periodically inspect and audit your facility.