Industries & Businesses

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12

Industries

The City of Springfield’s Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires the City to implement a program to monitor and control pollutants in stormwater discharges from industrial and high risk facilities. City inspectors regularly inspect facilities covered under state operating permits for motor vehicle salvage, metal fabrication, concrete manufacturing, chemical production and a variety of other industrial activities. If you are a permitted facility and are interested in ways that you can improve your site, you can request a compliance assistance visit. Please contact Sarah Davis at 417-380-2817 or via email at [email protected]. 

Learn how Low Impact Development (LID) can improve your site's stormwater runoff. 

Training

View our Industrial Site Compliance Training Powerpoint

Yard Ethic Business: Make Nature Work For You

Common Pollutants

Common pollutants associated with industrial activity include total suspended solids (TSS), heavy metals, oil/grease, and pH. These pollutants can be minimized through implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

BMP Options

BMPs may be structural or non-structural in nature. You can improve the appearance of your facility and reduce potential for pollution by implementing the BMPs listed below:

  • Let the grass grow! Mow less often to allow vegetation to grow taller, making it more efficient in stormwater capture and pollutant removal.
  • Sweep paved surfaces to remove sediment. Sediment often binds to a variety of chemicals and metals and carries these pollutants downstream during rain events.
  • Monitor equipment and vehicles for leaks/spills. Use drip pans and oil dry to capture leaking fluids.
  • Regularly collect windblown trash and debris. It may be helpful to add trash cans throughout the facility and/or incorporate regular “clean-up” days.
  • Properly manage wash-water. Wash-water should be captured and reclaimed to prevent discharge to surface waters.
  • Take a look at your stormwater system. Make sure ditches, channels and inlets are free of accumulated sediment and debris. Look for areas of erosion, as this contributes to suspended solids downstream. Identify the location of your “outfall(s),” locations where runoff leaves the facility. This is the last place you can slow and treat stormwater and may be a good location for a structural BMP, such as filter sock, oil booms, grass filter strip, etc.
  • Minimize exposure of potential pollutants. Keep dumpsters covered with lids or tarps. When possible, store stockpiles and product under cover.

Businesses

Prevent Business Pollution

General Tips

  • Plant a rain garden.
  • Routinely pick up litter and debris in and around parking lots and buildings.
  • Store chemicals and other materials inside.
  • Have spill cleanup materials handy near the dumpster and loading dock areas.
  • Do not place leaking containers or garbage bags into the dumpster.
  • Keep dumpster lids closed to keep out rainwater and prevent trash from spilling out.
  • Don't hose out dumpsters. Ask the service provider to switch out the dumpster for cleaning and to replace or repair leaky dumpsters.
  • Keep dumpsters locked to prevent illegal dumping.
  • Clean floor mats, filters, and garbage cans in a mop sink or floor drain, not outside.
  • Dispose of wash waters into a mop sink or floor drain, not outside.
  • Learn more about proper wash water disposal by reading our informational brochure.

Auto Body Repair & Detail Shops

  • When receiving vehicles for repair, inspect for leaks and use drip pans if needed.
  • Conduct all body repair and painting work indoors. If working on vehicles outdoors, have spill prevention and containment measures in place.
    • Have spill cleanup materials readily available and clean up any spills or leaks that occur immediately. Any rinse waters generated in the shop should go to a sanitary sewer drain.
  • Sanding dust and / or residue from other chemicals and processes used during auto body repair and detailing often remain on the vehicle after the body work is completed. Use dry cleanup methods such as vacuuming to remove all visible dust. 
  • Vehicle washing should be done at a commercial car wash or inside the shop with a floor drain connected to the sanitary sewer. If washing vehicles outside, follow the wash water disposal requirements.

Permitting Requirements

Industries required to obtain a stormwater permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.