Plant Maintenance managers seek to effectively utilize existing resources to reduce operating costs and save money that increases the bottom line of the company. The role of an effective plant maintenance operation is to consistently maintain quality pollution prevention control measures at all times

The segment of plant management that is most susceptible to pollution control fines is in the area of landscape maintenance. Each raindrop or the run off from watering that falls on impervious surfaces such as pavement, sidewalks, and roads, can mobilize pollutants on those surfaces.

Everything from automobile oil and grease to trash and debris can be carried by runoff into lakes, streams, rivers and oceans. Oil and chemical spills that form on pavement pose a significant environmental threat. Oil and chemical spills run into waterways and threaten valuable ecosystems. These spills also threaten public health and safety.

The following pollution control prevention principles and practices apply to most industries but the following guidelines are specific to the areas of plant maintenance. The Best Management Practice Objectives are the minimum standards that are set by the EPA.

• When it is possible, the company should use alternative, safer or recycled products that have the least negative environmental impact.
• A comprehensive plan to redirect storm water.
• An overall plan to reduce the use of water and use recycled water.
• Reduce storm water flow across the site of the facility.
• Recycle or reuse water waste products.
• Move or cover potential pollution run off from storm water contact.
• Provide training to employee in pollution prevention.

The Best Management Practices for facilities' maintenance that reduces or eliminates pollution include:

1. Reduction of landscape maintenance requirements

• Use low water use flowers, trees, shrubs and ground covers.

2. Properly store and dispose of gardening wastes

• Grass clippings, leaves, sticks, or other collected vegetation should be disposed of as garbage at a permitted landfill or by composting.

3. Use erosion control measures.

• When chemicals or oil are spilled on impervious surfaces, they should be cleaned up immediately with non-toxic cleaners or absorbents.
• Use Peat Moss as an environmentally safe method to clean impervious surfaces.
• Peat Moss Absorbents passed the T.C.L.P. (Toxic Characteristic Leachate Procedure)
• Peat Moss has an affinity for hydrocarbons of all types

4. Proper Management of irrigation and runoff

• Do not allow muddy water into a storm drain.
• Pour the muddy water over landscaped areas.
• Plant managers should check irrigation system regularly for leaks
• Insure that excessive runoff is not occurring from their facilities.

5. Proper storage and disposal of chemicals

• Implement storage requirements for pesticide products
• Confer with the local fire department or Agricultural commissioner on storage

6. Proper management of pesticide and herbicides

• Do not apply pesticides if rain is expected
• Do not apply pesticides if the wind speed exceeds 5 MPH
• Pesticides should not be mixed or prepared near storm drains

7. Proper use and management of fertilizer includes:

• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and label directions.
• Use techniques that minimize off target applications of fertilizer
• Use alternative application techniques.

8. Train employee in the implementation of Best Management Practice procedures and guidelines.

• The training should include storm water discharge prohibitions and waste water discharge requirements.
• Train employees on the use of pesticides and pesticide applications.
• Establishing a training schedule that provides employees with the proper tools and knowledge to immediately begin cleaning up a spill.

Applying Best Management Practices (BMPs) insure that facilities are in compliance with local, state and national environmental control regulations. Employees who are trained properly are a critical factor in implementing these guidelines. The site’s spill control plan and proper spill cleanup procedures should be an ongoing implementation project.