Auto Parts Stores

It is illegal to allow anything other than rain water to be discharged to a storm drain.

Never allow leaks from vehicles or equipment, and/or from spilled materials to be transported to a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain. If discharged or disposed of improperly, materials such as hydrocarbons, oil and grease, and heavy metals can be harmful to water quality and creek habitats.

Individuals and businesses that improperly handle and dispose of non-stormwater materials down the storm drain are both subject to civil and criminal prosecution.

Cleaning products labeled “nontoxic” and “biodegradable” can still harm wildlife if they enter the storm drain system. These products are prohibited discharges to the storm drain system.

Best Practices:

Use dry cleanup methods (i.e. broom or vacuum). Avoid hosing down or pressure washing work areas.
Immediately clean up wet or oily spots with rags and absorbent or a designated mop.
Pour mop wash water into an inside drain.
Inspect damaged vehicles for leaks.
Protect hazardous materials, recyclables, and discarded parts/materials from rain.

Inform Your Customers

Post signs to inform customers that working on vehicles is prohibited. It’s the law, call the Police if customers don’t comply.
Post signs informing people that dumping waste on your property is illegal.
Anything dumped at your site becomes your responsibility; make sure everything is disposed of properly to avoid violations.

Are You Ready to Respond to a Spill?

Have a written plan.
Train employees annually on storm water regulations, spill response, personal safety, and hazardous waste handling and disposal.
Have spill cleanup materials onsite.
Have Safety Data Sheets for all products used.

For an emergency or a spill involving hazardous materials or hazardous waste call 911 or your local Fire Department.

For All Non-Emergency / Non-Hazardous Spills

To report a Non-Hazardous spill, or for other useful phone numbers, see Spill Numbers informational reference sheet for your local agency contact information or visit: www.streetstocreeks.org/spill-numbers/