STORM WATER PROTECTION

Counties in California have adopted a Watershed Protection Ordinance requiring commercial, industrial, municipal and residential sectors to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect local water resources.  Many of these BMPs are easy to adopt and are applicable to agriculture. 

Material and waste storage, over-watering, fertilization, pesticide use, used motor oil, as well as sediments from grading activities are found in both agricultural and urban settings.  Properly storing hazardous wastes, pesticides, fertilizers, paints, green waste and trash is a responsibility we all share.  The County´s Watershed Protection Ordinance requires BMPs where we work, play and live.

Pollution Prevention means:

• Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever practicable.
• Use least toxic materials and recycle to reduce pollution
• Identify waste products from your business and evaluate them for possible reduction
• Reduce wastes by training employees* on Best Management Practices
• Reevaluate your efforts on a regular basis

* employee training is mandatory