Stormwater Pollution Prevention

For many years, the trend in pest management increasingly relied on synthetic chemical pesticides. The result has been not only a tremendous increase in the use of many dangerous chemicals, but also an increase in the number of pests that are resistant to the pesticides or new organisms becoming pests. Additionally, some pesticides used for terrestrial pest management have been found in waterways causing serious problems in the aquatic environment.

INTEGRATED PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Pest control managers are moving away from their reliance on pesticides alone toward an integrated approach that combines limited pesticide use with more environmentally friendly pest control techniques. This system is known as integrated pest management (IPM) (PDF), a strategy that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques, including preventative, cultural, mechanical, environmental, biological, and chemical control tactics. The techniques are utilized simultaneously to control pest populations in the most effective manner possible.

Developing a comprehensive IPM program and approach allows us to focus on our primary efforts of pollution prevention. By monitoring and preventing pests as well as minimizing heavy pest infestations we can reduce the need for chemicals and/or multiple applications.

PURPOSE
To protect public health and the environment, the City of Fountain Valley uses an IPM program on all city property. IPM blends effective, economical, and environmentally balanced pest control methods into a single but flexible approach to manage pest populations within acceptable limits.

Those who practice IPM take the 1st step by deciding on the nature and the source of the pest problem. They can rely on a range of preventive and treatment strategies which can be cultural, physical, mechanical, or biological. Only the least-toxic chemical pesticides should be used, as a last resort.

COMPONENTS
An IPM program contains the following key components:

• Identification: Identify the pest and/or the problem.
• Monitoring and Record-keeping: Observe the plants, or site, for potential pest problems at regular intervals. Keep records of what is seen, decisions made, actions taken, and results.
• Establish Tolerance Levels: Determine when the pest problem is likely to become serious enough to require some action.
• Least-Toxic Treatments: In an IPM Program, the object of treatment is to suppress pest populations below their injury level, but not to eradicate them. Select control strategies that are easy to carry out effectively, long-lasting, and least disruptive to the environment.

EVALUATION

Inspect after treatment action has been taken. Write down what you learn. Has the treatment been effective? How can the whole process be improved to achieve the overall objectives of the program?

There is no specific containment method that must be used for wastewater collection/diversion. However, the system must be adequately designed so that the wastewater does not flow into storm drain inlet.

All mobile and existing businesses should use 1 of the following methods:

• Portable containment areas can be made from waterproof traps, heavy-duty plastic, or rubber matting equipped with berms to prevent wastewater from running into storm drain inlets or off-site. Materials that can be used for berms include sand bags or water-filled tubing. Whatever containment material is used, it must seal tightly to the ground so that no wastewater can pass under or over the berms.
• When power washing smaller pieces of equipment, containment devices to use may include portable vinyl swimming pools, plastic 55-gallon drums on casters, and flat metal or plastic containment pads.
• Depending on the volume of wastewater generated, it may be necessary to use wet-dry vacuum or a sump pump to discharge the wastewater to the landscaping or sewer.
• Stationary or more permanent containment areas can be constructed with cement. Berms and pump systems may be used to contain wastewater and divert it to a holding tank.
• Commercial wastewater collection systems are also available for power washing. These systems can range from portable wash pits to self-contained water recycling systems. A list of companies selling this type of equipment can usually be found in the telephone book under “Pressure Washing Services and Equipment."
• Storm drain inlet covers can be made of an impermeable barrier such as a heavy-duty vinyl or plastic secured in place with materials such as concrete blocks, gravel bags, or sand bags. Storm drain inlet covers may also be available though commercial vendors.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Blocking storm drain catch basin inlets in the public right-of-way is prohibited unless permitted through an encroachment permit. Wastewater should be contained on-site.