State Agency Issues Stormwater Permit For Industrial Sites Targeting Copper, Zinc

摘要

A new general industrial stormwater permit issued Oct. 21 by the Washington Department of Ecology directs about 1,200 businesses to adopt new practices to keep pollution, including copper and zinc, from reaching bodies of water, according to the department.rnThe permit will require industrial sites to take anti-pollution measures such as vacuum-sweeping paved surfaces, ensuring that dumpsters are closed, cleaning catch basins, and keeping equipment free of leaking fluids, the department said Oct. 21 in a statement.rnThe National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is effective for five years beginning Jan. 1, 2010.rnThe department issued the draft permit in June after consulting with businesses and environmental representatives (40 ER 1529, 6/26/09).