Stormwater Best Management Practices:
Shipping / Receiving / Loading Docks
Material handling areas, such as loading docks are areas where new and old materials are stored for receiving and shipping. These areas typically contain storm drains to collect stormwater. If materials are not properly managed in these areas, the result can be stormwater pollution.
To minimize the impact of potential stormwater pollution from these areas, you can do the following:
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SHELTER: Where possible ensure that the loading dock area is sheltered from rain.
The loading dock/shipping and receiving area should be sheltered from rain and/or snow by a roof. An overhead cover will prevent materials stored in the receiving area from washing into the local storm sewer during a precipitation event. Further, if the roof can be surfaced with a non-metallic material, this would decrease the likelihood of introducing heavy metals into the storm drains during rain events. -
DRAINS: Identify locations of stormdrains and develop means to cover or block if a spill occurs.
Drains are typically installed at the base of inclined loading areas. If these drains are connected with local storm sewers, spills during materials transfer have an immediate path to the Charles River. Further, during rain events, vehicle drippings such as oil, fuels, antifreeze, and brake and transmission fluids are directly washed into the drain and ultimately to the Charles River. Best management of these drains involves the use of drain blockers during deliveries or the installation of a manual valve within the drain that can be opened or closed in the event of an unexpected release. Further, receiving areas should be equipped with spill kits sufficient for the variety of materials to be handled. -
DEBRIS: Maintain the area so that it is clean and free of debris.
The receiving area should be regularly swept clear of debris. The debris should be collected and deposited in a trash container; sweeping of the debris into the parking area, or hosing the receiving area will ultimately deliver the debris into area storm drains, and ultimately into the Charles River.
