Storm drains are a direct connection to the creeks, bays, lagoons and beaches. It is very important to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain. The pollutants most commonly found entering the storm drain system are leaves and debris, sediment, trash and litter, and washdown pollutants from cleaning activities (soaps and detergents). In order to prevent these pollutants from entering the storm drain, it is important to protect the storm drain inlets while performing activities. Protection includes preventing waters from entering the storm drain system, even if the water appears to be clean.

BMP Objective
Prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain inlets.

Implementation
The most important concept in protecting storm drain inlets is to prevent anything other than rainwater entering the inlet. Other waters, trash and debris must be collected and disposed of properly.

When you are engaging in an activity where debris or water is generated, the first course of action in protecting storm drain inlets is to locate where the debris or water will go. In almost all cases, water will flow to a storm drain inlet. Even if the inlet is blocks away, it is important to protect that inlet and prevent waters and pollutants from entering it. Everything that goes into the storm drain inlet, will flow downstream to a creek, bay, lagoon and the beaches.

The next step is to determine how you will protect the storm drain inlet. The most commonly used method is to obtain sand bags from your local hardware store. Fill the bags approximately ¾ full with play sand and place around the opening of the inlet to create a berm that prevents water from flowing into the inlet. If possible, use the bags to create a water tight seal that prevents any water from seeping under the bags into the inlet. It may take up to 6-8 bags to properly protect the inlet. It is important not to place the bags too close to the inlet opening, in case one should fall into the storm drain system. Also, be sure to use bags that are in good working condition, a deteriorating sand bag can break and allow the sand or gravel to flow into the storm drain system.

It is also important to capture as much of the water from your activity as close to the activity as possible. For example, if you are washing down a drive-thru area or trash area, use the sand bags closer to your activity to create dams along the waters path to the storm drain inlet. This allows you to use a wet vacuum to collect the waters (and pollutants) for proper disposal. Any collected waters must be disposed of in the sanitary sewer system (mop sink, toilet, etc.) or in landscaped areas where the water will not runoff into the street or storm drain system.

Limitations
It is important to create a water tight seal around the storm drain inlet to prevent any water from seeping past the bags or other berm material. If water seeps past, it will likely continue to carry the pollutants to the creeks; bays; lagoons and beaches. 

Print friendly file: