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IV. Preventative Measures to Reduce Maintenance Costs <br />The most effective way to maintain your water quality facility is to prevent the pollutants <br />from entering the facility in the first place. Common pollutants include sediment, trash & <br />debris, chemicals, dog wastes, runoff from stored materials, illicit discharges into the <br />storm drainage system (like car wash or pressure washing runoff) and many others. A <br />thoughtful maintenance program will include measures to address these potential <br />contaminants and will save money and time in the long run. Key points to consider in <br />your maintenance program include: <br />• Educate property owners/residents/tenants to be aware of how their actions affect water <br />quality, and how they can help reduce maintenance costs. <br />• Keep properties, streets and gutters, and parking lots free of trash, debris, and lawn <br />clippings. <br />• Ensure the proper disposal of hazardous wastes and chemicals. <br />• Plan lawn care to minimize the use of chemicals and pesticides. <br />• Sweep paved surfaces and put the sweepings back on the lawn. <br />• Be aware of automobiles leaking fluids. Use absorbents such as cat litter to soak up <br />drippings — dispose of properly. <br />• Re -vegetate disturbed and bare areas to maintain vegetative stabilization. <br />• Clean out the upstream components of the storm drainage system, including inlets, <br />storm sewers and outfalls. <br />• Do not store materials outdoors (including landscaping materials) unless properly <br />protected from runoff. <br />• Close the covers on dumpsters to prevent liquids from leaking into the storm system. <br />V. Safety <br />Never enter a confined space (outlet structure, manhole, etc.) without proper training and <br />equipment. A confined space should never be entered without at least one additional <br />person present. If a toxic or flammable substance is discovered, leave the immediate area <br />and call 911. Potentially dangerous (e.g., fuel, chemicals, hazardous materials) substances <br />found in the areas must be referred to the local Fire Department immediately for response <br />by the Hazardous Materials Unit. The emergency contact number is 911. Vertical drops <br />may be encountered in areas located within and around the facility. Avoid walking on top <br />of retaining walls or other structures that have a significant vertical drop. If any hazard is <br />