Stormwater Best Management Practices: Parking Lots/Paved Areas
Parking lots and other paved areas are typically designed so that stormwater flows to catch basins and storm drains that ultimately drain to the Charles River. As such, the activities conducted and materials stored on these areas should be managed with care to ensure that pollutant materials (e.g. oils, paints, refuse, excess sand/sediment, etc.) do not reach the storm drain.
To minimize stormwater pollution from parking lots and paved areas, you can do the following:
- Maintain & inspect vehicles regularly to be sure they are not leaking fluids.
- Use drip pans or other containment when adding fluids to vehicles.
- Recycle or dispose of waste fluids properly - NEVER dispose in catch basins or storms drains.
- Wash vehicles at off-site commercial washer.
- Keep trash receptacles on site for the storage of refuse. Rather than hose down - dry sweep these areas and dispose as trash.
- Do not dump or allow contractors to dump anything onto sidewalks, streets or parking lots.
- Clean-out storm drains and catch basins regularly to keep clear of refuse and excessive build-up of leaves/sediments.
- If area is equipped with oil/water separators - maintain units so that they are always functioning properly.
- Keep storm grates clean especially in winter.
- Minimize sand or salt usage during the winter months - use alternatives such as calcium chloride.
- If stored outdoors, cover your supply of sand, salt etc.
Consider the following in present and future design of your site:
- Direct gutters and down spouts drainage to grassy or gravel areas to return stormwater to ground naturally.
- Divert runoff from pavement to grassy areas to allow seepage to ground.
- Minimize paved areas - use porous materials when possible.
- Increase grassed areas (i.e. between parking lanes, etc.).
