Industrial and Commercial Activities

Activities that take place at commercial and industrial areas, such as material, chemical, and waste handling, are often exposed to the weather. As runoff from rain comes into contact with these materials, it can transport pollutants to nearby storm drains, wetlands, and creeks. Specific commercial and industrial activities that may contribute to stormwater pollution may include vehicle maintenance, vehicle washing, spills, outdoor materials storage, trash, and chemical leaks from containers. The goal of the Commercial and Industrial Program is to reduce or control the discharge of pollutants in runoff from these activities. The City has established this program to encourage and assist businesses in their efforts to promote stormwater pollution prevention.

City activities under the Industrial and Commercial Activities Program include:

• Inspecting all industrial and commercial sites within the city’s inventory once per year for pollution prevention.  
• Promoting the Partners for a Greener Davis Program which provides a checklist of items to assist businesses in operating in an environmentally-friendly fashion.
• Requiring and reviewing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for applicable industrial businesses.
• Annually inspect all sites required to provide a SWPPP consistent with the State’s Industrial General Permit.
• Develop and distribute educational outreach materials for specific pollution and prevention activities identified at these business locations

Pesticide Use and Stormwater

• Any chemical used outdoors or in landscaping can be washed off directly into streams and rivers. It is best to use less toxic pesticides or other means of controlling unwanted pests, rather than harmful pesticides. See Our Water Our World for less toxic options.
• Visit our pesticides and stormwater webpage for more information on how pesticides end up in waterways and how to protect waterways.
• If you are having structural challenges with pests (rats, mice, etc.) and are considering hiring a professional, or if you offer pest control services, please see the information on our pesticide and stormwater webpage on hiring pest control professionals to ensure that less toxic options are used.
• Learn more about Integrated Pest Management, a broad-based approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize health, environmental, and financial risks. 
• Pest management professionals can learn more about integrated pest management approaches and available training by visiting the UC IPM Program for structural pest management or landscape pest management.
• Recordings and slides from past presentations on gardening and pest management.

• Auto Repair and Maintenance Practices (PDF)
• Car Washing Practices (PDF)
• Carpet Cleaning and Pressure Washing Best Practices (PDF)
• Food and Restaurant Best Practices (PDF)
• Landscaping Maintenance Practices (PDF)
• Paint Practices (PDF)
• Pool and Spa Maintenance Best Practices (PDF)
• City of Davis Building Division Forms (PDF)

Helpful Links 

CASQA:

• California Stormwater Quality Association
• Industrial and Commercial Activity Fact Sheets

State of California:

• Industrial General Permit
• Central Valley Water Quality Control Board
• State Stormwater Regulations
• State Water Resources Control Board
• Environmental Protection Agency

Federal:

• EPA Menu of SW BMPs
• Federal Stormwater Regulations