Pollution Prevention for Businesses

Protecting precious resources

In 2022, the state updated business environmental protection requirements to better protect the water resources we all share and rely on. Our Water Resources Protection Ordinance outlines policies for pollution prevention and water protection to reflect these changes. We’ve dedicated extra resources to help impacted businesses adapt to and meet these requirements.

Report a spill

Prevent pollution at work

Pollution sources

Pollution from business operations can harm our local creeks, streams and groundwater. For example:

Runoff from improper chemical and hazardous material storage can infiltrate groundwater and local waterways.
Leaks and spills from vehicles and business operations can seep into soil or storm drains.
Outdoor washing or cleaning can send suds and other contaminants through our watersheds and into lakes and ponds, degrading our natural environment.

Best practices

To guard against pollution, businesses need to follow best management practices such as:

Clean and maintain your storm drains, filters, swales or other stormwater facilities.
Store your materials indoors or inside a containment tub with a cover.
Dispose of waste properly. Take advantage of our Pilot Waste Incentive Network for dangerous waste disposal.
Train your team on best management practices so they know how to prevent leaks, spills and other risks of contamination.
Reduce your use of reliance on harmful substances.

Other resources

If you have a new business or want to learn more about pollution source control requirements, visit the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, Volume 4 Source Control BMP Library.

Check out the Clark County Green Business Program to learn more about how you can prevent pollution, create a healthier workplace for your staff and get recognized for environmental excellence.

Preventing pollution at home

Keeping PCBs out of stormwater

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are synthetic toxic chemicals that can impact aquatic and human health. PCBs can be found in buildings built or renovated between 1950 and 1980.

Products that may have PCBs include:

Paints
Adhesives
Insulation materials
Rubber
Mastics
Plastic applications
Asphalt roofing
Galbestos siding

There is currently no way to determine if materials contain PCBs based on sight alone. Sampling and laboratory testing are required.

Stormwater and surface water runoff can transport PCBs to storm drains, sewers, or nearby surface water features.

Handling PCBs

Provide staff with training and awareness that there may be PCBs in exterior building materials.
Collect paint chips and other eroded building materials using a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter. Prevent these materials from making contact with any stormwater or surface water runoff.
Do not pressure wash materials that may contain PCBs. Washing should only be done with low pressure, hand scrubbing, and wet wiping.
All washing water should be collected and properly disposed of. Do not wash debris into the storm drains, street, or neighboring properties.
If catch basins are on site, implement inlet protection best management practices where possible.

PCBs in building materials

Hands-on assistance for small businesses

Pollution prevention partnership

The Pollution Prevention Partnership provides free hands-on assistance to Small Quantity Generators (typically small businesses and organizations) who wish to improve and reduce their impacts to human health and the environment.

Through the Partnership, we offer technical assistance visits to help you identify, reduce and eliminate hazardous waste pollutants at their source. A local pollution prevention specialist meets with your team to learn about your business activities and practices. They work with you on any concerns, solutions and problem-points, then help you solve common challenges around dangerous wastes, stormwater management, solid waste and spill prevention.

Our collaborative process limits your liability, reduces overall risk and improves your work environment. 

How to participate

Email citywaterprotection@cityofvancouver.us to set up a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a small business be concerned with pollution?

Protecting contamination and pollutants from reaching our local water supply isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s required by law! Protecting water is good for our health, environment and local economy.

What is dangerous waste?

Washington state uses the term “dangerous waste” rather than the federal law’s term of “hazardous waste.” This is because Washington state’s Dangerous Waste Regulations are more protective than federal laws. The definition of “dangerous waste” is more expansive than “hazardous waste.”

If your business uses, stores or disposes of these materials, you probably generate hazardous waste. Product labels may also indicate if a material is a hazardous waste. Watch for labels such as: DANGER, FLAMMABLE, WARNING, POISON or CAUTION.

These types of materials should never be thrown in the garbage.

Adhesives
Antifreeze
Amalgam waste
Batteries
Disinfectants
Fertilizers
Fluorescent lights
Oil
Paints and thinners
Pesticides
Pharmaceuticals
Shop towels
Solvents
Other industry-specific wastes