KNOW WHAT'S HARMFUL TO CREEKS AND DISPOSE OF WASTES PROPERLY Operate your business responsibly to eliminate discharges into storm drains. Never store waste materials in the street or near the creek.

Never pour oil or grease down a storm drain or sanitary sewer.

Food service businesses produce pollutants such as oil, grease, detergents, and food scraps. Grease and oil discharged into storm drains can enter the creek and decrease the oxygen content of the water, coat fish gills, and smother bottom dwelling organisms. Food scraps can cause excessive nutrient loading in the creek, which uses up oxygen needed by fish and other organisms.

Fats, oils, grease, and food particles should be placed in sealed containers and recycled. Most municipalities and garbage companies prohibit disposal of oil and grease in the garbage.

Be a zero-discharger.

When you reuse and recycle fluids and other products, they never become wastes. Purchase reusable or recyclable materials whenever you can. If your business routinely uses chemicals or cleaning compounds, consider "closed loop" processes that recycle these materials.

Cover and maintain dumpsters.

Open or leaking dumpsters are common causes of water pollution. Close dumpster lids, place dumpsters under roofs, or cover them with plastic sheeting at the end of each work day and during rainy weather. Inspect dumpsters regularly for leaks, and repair or replace any dumpster that is not water-tight. Return dumpsters to trash haulers for cleaning. Do not hose them down or clean them on site.

Clean up leaks, drips and other spills without water whenever possible.

Use rags for small spills, a damp mop for general cleanup, and absorbent materials (such as cat litter) for larger spills. Clean up spills immediately. Avoid hosing or wet-mopping outdoor work areas. Dispose of clean-up materials properly. Do not dump them outside or in the creek. When cleaning inside, collect mop water and discharge into a sink or toilet.

Label storm drain inlets so employees do not dispose of waste there.

Use creek-friendly washing methods for vehicles and equipment.

Do not wash cars, trucks, or other equipment in a paved parking lot or street where soap and wash water can flow into the creek or storm drain. Install a "wash pad" to capture, pretreat and discharge the wash water to the sanitary sewer or consider using a commercial car wash.

Install a "wash pad" to capture, pretreat and discharge the wash water to the sanitary sewer or consider using a commercial car wash.