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Tips for Specific Industries
- Always use drip pans to capture fluids.
- Properly maintain vehicles to prevent leaks that discharge hazardous materials.
- Segregate and recycle liquid wastes and never let any liquid waste enter our storm drain system.
- Store materials inside or undercover to prevent contamination from rainwater.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products when possible.
- Do not place grease and oils in dumpsters.
- Never hose spills into a gutter, street, or storm drain.
- Never wash oil or grease outdoors since the runoff from this wash water goes into our storm drain system and our streams.
- Train employees about proper grease, food, and trash disposal.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products when possible.
- Cover dirt or mulch piles to avoid rain washing materials into our storm drains or streams.
- Do not dispose of grass clippings, leaves, branches or other yard waste or landscape materials in streams, waterbodies, or wetlands.
- Irrigate slowly and inspect the system for leaks, over-spraying, and runoff. Avoid overwatering lawns and beds to prevent excess runoff.
- Schedule grading and excavation projects for dry weather and use appropriate erosion and sedimentation controls. Permission is required for projects within 100 feet of wetlands or 200 feet of streams, or if land disturbance is 10,000 square feet or greater or involves 500 cubic yards of earth or more. Contact the Conservation Department at 781-270-1655 for more information.
- Seed or mulch bare areas as soon as possible to prevent soil erosion.
- Sweep up fertilizer or other spills immediately.
- Use vegetation that needs less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Avoid using fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides near sensitive areas like wetlands and streams. State regulations passed in 2015 have specific regulations on the application of plant nutrients and when, where, and what quantities can be used to both be effective and minimize impacts on surface and groundwater resources to protect human health and the environment. There are also specific record-keeping requirements for professional applicators.