1. Who should attend? Stormwater Quality
We all want a clean and healthy river…
Help us by doing your part!
Almost half of the nation’s water pollution comes from stormwater runoff – or the water that flows over our streets, parking lots, and lawns after rain or snow.
Most stormwater flowing into inlets is NOT treated before making its way to the Animas River.
Operate your business with techniques that will help protect our local waterways!
Materials such as grease, trash, yard waste/materials, or spilled liquids that wash into a storm drain, gutters or streams are considered an “illicit discharge.”
Illicit Discharges are a violation of City Code, and can lead to fines or other penalties.
Who should attend?
Contractors Excavators Developers Home Builders Construction Inspectors Engineers Architects Landscapers Landscape Architects Consultants
Municipal Planning &
Development Staff Erosion Control
Professionals
Real Estate
Professionals Anyone Interested in
USEPA & Colorado
Stormwater Phase II
Regulations
A Quick Guide for Businesses
Stormwater Quality
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Durango, CO 81301
949 E 2nd Avenue

2. Tips for: Restaurants Landscapers Mobile Auto Detailers
Need to wash the patio? Collect and dispose of wash water into an indoor floor drain or mop sink. Sweep up food residue & trash from patios before you wash.
Dumpsters and recycling bins should be covered at all times. Use something bear proof!
Inspect trash receptacles for leaks, and replace if leaks are found. Contact your service provider for replacements.
Got grease? Don’t pour it down the sink! Use a proper covered container & check your traps/interceptors weekly.
Never dump grease, wash water, or trash in parking lots, alleys, or streets.
Train your employees to consider urban runoff pollution in daily tasks.
Minimize use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers! Nutrients found in commercial fertilizers like phosphorus and nitrogen can increase algae growth in the Animas River, killing fish and creating “dead zones.”
Consider testing soils, so you know exactly what you need to help plants grow.
Time irrigation systems to water early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. Don’t overwater -- this can cause runoff.
Store soil, mulch, and rock piles in contained areas where they won’t wash off into the storm system. Keep it out of the street!
Don’t use a leaf blower to blow yard waste into the street.
Store all containers under cover to protect from snow or rain.
Inspect vehicles and equipment regularly for leaks. Keep things in good working condition!
Keep a spill kit handy, with safety gear and absorbent materials.
Sweep yard waste and chemicals off sidewalks, driveways, and streets.
Train your employees to consider how their daily tasks might effect the Animas River!
Before beginning work, identify where the nearest storm drains/inlets are located. Take steps to contain your work area, to prevent wash water from entering the storm system.
Place vehicles in a covered area or contained bay, if possible. Otherwise, use a washing mat, or a berm and wet vacuum system.
Captured wash water should be disposed of properly in a sanitary sewer system.
Leaky vehicle? Have drip pans available.
Consider using only water for washing, if you need soap or detergents, use something environmentally friendly, and phosphate-free.
Don’t use engine degreasers or wheel cleaners for mobile cleaning.
Avoid using chemical glass cleaners, which contain ammonia. It’s bad for the river! Consider a mix of vinegar and water.
Have spill plans and kits available in mobile cleaning units. Train your employees to help prevent illicit discharges.
EWW!