Commercial & Industrial BMPs

Commercial / Industrial Best Management Practices
Commercial and Industrial facilities should employ best management practices (BMPs) to ensure pollutants are not conveyed to the storm drain system.

Commercial Facilities
  • Tidy up around dumpster areas. Ensure that dumpster and trash can lids are always kept closed. Do not allow trash and debris to be placed on the ground.
  • Instead of power washing or hosing down hardscape areas, dry sweep with a broom. If water is to be used, all wash water must be reclaimed into a tank or conveyed to landscaping.
  • Check landscaping irrigation frequently for any leaks or overspray areas. Water as little as possible to ensure that runoff does not occur.
  • Food establishments should ensure that grease collection bins are properly covered and stored. Lids should be always kept closed and no grease should be allowed to collect on the side of the bin or on the ground surrounding the bin.
Industrial Facilities
  • Certain classifications of Industrial Facilities are required to enroll under the State of California General Industrial Permit. Facility managers should research to see if they are required to enroll under this permit.
  • Materials such as paint, scrap metal, chemicals, and equipment should be stored inside a building or storage shed. If materials must be stored outside, they must be fully covered and secondary containment must be provided.
  • Any debris created from work which has the potential to pollute storm water, (eg. metal grinding) is not allowed to remain exposed to storm water.
  • All non storm water discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited, except for those listed in Section 7.18.040 of the La Mesa Municipal Code.
Assistance Documents
The following document may be helpful for residents and business owners in order to prevent storm water pollution: