INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER
FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products
Manufacturing Facilities
U.S. EPA Office of Water
EPA-833-F-06-042
December 2006
What is the NPDES stormwater permitting program for industrial
activity?
Activities, such as material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and cleaning, industrial
processing or other operations that occur at industrial facilities are often exposed to stormwater. The
runoff from these areas may discharge pollutants directly into nearby waterbodies or indirectly via
storm sewer systems, thereby degrading water quality.
In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed permitting regulations under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control stormwater discharges associated
with eleven categories of industrial activity. As a result, NPDES permitting authorities, which may be
either EPA or a state environmental agency, issue stormwater permits to control runoff from these
industrial facilities.
What types of industrial facilities are required to obtain permit
coverage?
This fact sheet specifically discusses stormwater discharges from the fabricated metal products
manufacturing facilities as defined by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Major Groups 34 and 39.
Facilities and products in this group fall under the following categories, all of which require coverage
under an industrial stormwater permit:
4 Fabricated metal products, except machinery and transportation equipment and cutting
(SIC 3411-3499)
4 Jewelry, silverware, and plated ware (SIC 3911-3915)
4 Coating, engraving, and allied services (SIC 3479)
This fact sheet does not cover discharges from establishments not requiring permit coverage including
those engaged in manufacturing and rolling of ferrous and nonferrous metals, forgings or stampings,
electrolytic, or other processes for refining copper from ore.
What does an industrial stormwater permit require?
Common requirements for coverage under an industrial stormwater permit include development of a
written stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), implementation of control measures, and sub-
mittal of a request for permit coverage, usually referred to as the Notice of Intent or NOI. The SWPPP
is a written assessment of potential sources of pollutants in stormwater runoff and control measures
that will be implemented at your facility to minimize the discharge of these pollutants in runoff from
the site. These control measures include site-specific best management practices (BMPs), maintenance
plans, inspections, employee training, and reporting. The procedures detailed in the SWPPP must be
implemented by the facility and updated as necessary, with a copy of the SWPPP kept on-site. The in-
dustrial stormwater permit also requires collection of visual, analytical, and/or compliance monitoring
data to determine the effectiveness of implemented BMPs. For more information on EPA's industrial
stormwater permit and links to State stormwater permits, go to www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
and click on "Industrial Activity."
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
What pollutants are associated with my facility's activities?
Pollutants conveyed in stormwater discharges from facilities involved with the manufacturing of
fabricated metal products will vary. There are a number of factors that influence to what extent
industrial activities and significant materials can affect water quality.
4 Geographic location
4 Topography
4 Hydrogeology
4 Extent of impervious surfaces (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
4 Type of ground cover (e.g., vegetation, crushed stone, or dirt)
4 Outdoor activities (e.g., material storage, loading/unloading, vehicle maintenance)
4 Size of the operation
4 Type, duration, and intensity of precipitation events
The activities, pollutant sources, and pollutants detailed in Table 1 are commonly found at fabricated
metal products manufacturing facilities.
Table 1. Common Activities, Pollutant Sources, and Associated Pollutants at Fabricated Metal
Products Manufacturing Facilities
Activity
Tool workpiece interface/
shaving, chipping
Parts/tools cleaning, sand
blasting, metal surface
cleaning, removal of applied
chemicals
Making structural
components
Painting operations
Cleanup of spills and drips
Transportation or storage of
materials
Metal preparation
Surface treatment
Galvanizing
Heavy equipment use and
storage
Equipment/vehicle
maintenance
Pollutant Source
Used metal working fluid with fine metal
dust
Solvent cleaners, abrasive cleaners, alkaline
cleaners, acid cleaners, rinse waters
Solvents, cold and hot dips, cleaning parts,
degreasing
Cuttings, scraps, turnings, fines
Paint and paint thinner spills, sanding,
spray painting
Empty containers, paint application wastes,
spills, over spraying, storage areas
Used absorbent materials
Wood dunnage/pallets
Grinding, welding, sawing, shaving,
brazing, bending, cutting, etching
Finishing, plating, case hardening,
chemical coating, coating, polishing,
rinsing, abrasive cleaning, electroplating
Spills, leaks, transporting materials
Leaking fluids, fluids replacement, washing
equipment, use on poor surface area, soil
disturbance
Leaking fluids, fluids replacement, washing
equipment
Vehicle fueling
Pollutant
Total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), oil and grease
Spent solvents, TSS, acid/alkaline waste, oil
Acid, coolants, clean composition, degreaser,
mineral spirits, pickle liquor, spent caustic,
sludge.
Metals
Paints, spent solvents, heavy metals, TSS
Paint wastes, thinner, varnish, heavy metals,
spent chlorinated solvents
TSS, spilled material
BOD, TSS
Steel scraps, aluminum scraps, brass, copper,
dust, chips and borings, steel scale, teflon,
manganese.
Acid, aromatic solvent, corn cob, lubricants,
sand, oil, pH, nitrates, nitrites, carbon,
phosphates, borates, nitrogen, oily sludge,
nickel, chromium, hydrofluoric acid.
Acid solution, phosphates, zinc chromate,
hexavalent chromium, nickel.
Oil, heavy metals, organics, fuels, TSS,
hydraulic oil, diesel fuel, gasoline
Oil, grease
Gas/diesel fuel, fuel additives
EPA 833-F-06-042
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 1. Common Activities, Pollutant Sources, and Associated Pollutants at Fabricated Metal
Products Manufacturing Facilities (continued)
Activity
Storage of uncoated
structural steel
Storing galvanized steel
directly on the ground
Vehicle/equipment traffic
Cleaning equipment/vehicles
Pollutant Source
Stored on porous pavement
Galvanizing material drippage or leaching
Soil disturbance and erosion
Chemicals disposed improperly, spillage
Pollutant
Aluminum, lead, zinc, copper, iron, oxide, oil,
nickel, manganese.
Metals: zinc, nickel, cadmium, chromium.
TSS from erosion, hydraulic fluid loss/spillage
Oil, grease, surfactants, chromates, acid,
hydroxide, nitric acid
What BMPs can be used to minimize contact between stormwater
and potential pollutants at my facility?
A variety of BMP options may be applicable to eliminate or minimize the presence of pollutants in
stormwater discharges from fabricated metal products manufacturing facilities. You will likely need
to implement a combination or suite of BMPs to address stormwater runoff at your facility. Your first
consideration should be for pollution prevention BMPs, which are designed to prevent or minimize
pollutants from entering stormwater runoff and/or reduce the volume of stormwater requiring
management. Prevention BMPs can include regular cleanup, collection and containment of debris
in storage areas, and other housekeeping practices, spill control, and employee training. It may also
be necessary to implement treatment BMPs, which are engineered structures, intended to treat
stormwater runoff and/or mitigate the effects of increased stormwater runoff peak rate, volume, and
velocity. Treatment BMPs are generally more expensive to install and maintain and include oil-water
separators, wet ponds, and proprietary filter devices.
Measures to control pollutants at metal fabricating operations should focus primarily on the storage
of waste and raw materials, chemical storage areas, and equipment storage and service areas. Since
most of the operations occur indoors, procedures are often only needed to minimize exposure of
pollutants to stormwater runoff in association with the handling and transporting of materials. Of
primary importance is the control of activities and use of chemicals that have been identified as
potential sources of pollutants.
The most effective discharge controls for these facilities are BMPs targeted toward source control. This
includes utilizing inside storage as much as possible and implementing programs for recycling scrap
materials. Many of these practices require the use of covers, indoor storage, and indoor operations.
Some structural measures would provide an additional control to reduce the potential for exposure
at these facilities. These include source reduction diversion dikes, grass swales, vegetative covers, and
sedimentation ponds. Preventive controls are typically low in cost and relatively easy to implement,
as the majority of the facilities in this industry already employ these practices. In addition, directing
flows to privately owned treatment works or retention ponds will be the most effective measure.
The industry also must give consideration to the non-stormwater discharges associated with
improper disposal of materials from the indoor processes due to the extensive use of chemicals in
the preparation and finishing phases of metal preparation and fabrication. The industry also involves
grinding, welding, and sanding operations that will require special consideration to control potential
pollutants that could accumulate and be subject to stormwater runoff.
Most of the measures commonly implemented to reduce pollutants in stormwater associated with
the fabricated metals industry are generally uncomplicated practices. Some of the practices may be
predicated on the size of the operation, the types of processes that are exercised from a full-scale
plant operation to a more specialized company that conducts only a portion of the operations usually
found in the fabricating industry.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
All fabricated metal products facilities should implement BMPs in the following areas of the site:
4 Metal fabricating areas
4 Storage areas for raw metal
4 Receiving, unloading, and loading areas
4 Heavy equipment storage
4 Metal working fluid areas
4 Unprotected liquid storage tanks
4 Chemical cleaners and rinse water
4 Raw steel collection areas
4 Paints and painting equipment
4 Vehicle and equipment maintenance areas
4 Hazardous waste storage areas
4 Transporting chemicals to storage areas
4 Finished products (galvanized)
4 Wooden pallets and empty drums
BMPs must be selected and implemented to address the following:
Good Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping is a practical, cost-effective way to maintain a clean and orderly facility to
prevent potential pollution sources from coming into contact with stormwater. It includes establishing
protocols to reduce the possibility of mishandling materials or equipment and training employees
in good housekeeping techniques. Common areas where good housekeeping practices should be
followed include trash containers and adjacent areas, material storage areas, vehicle and equipment
maintenance areas, and loading docks. Good housekeeping practices must include a schedule for
regular pickup and disposal of garbage and waste materials and routine inspections of drums, tanks,
and containers for leaks and structural conditions. Practices also include containing and covering
garbage, waste materials, and debris. Involving employees in routine monitoring of housekeeping
practices has proven to be an effective means of ensuring the continued implementation of these
measures.
Minimizing Exposure
Where feasible, minimizing exposure of potential pollutant sources to precipitation is an important
control option. Minimizing exposure prevents pollutants, including debris, from coming into contact
with precipitation and can reduce the need for BMPs to treat contaminated stormwater runoff. It can
also prevent debris from being picked up by stormwater and carried into drains and surface waters.
Examples of BMPs for exposure minimization include covering materials or activities with temporary
structures (e.g., tarps) when wet weather is expected or moving materials or activities to existing
or new permanent structures (e.g., buildings, silos, sheds). Even the simple practice of keeping a
dumpster lid closed can be a very effective pollution prevention measure.
Erosion and Sediment Control
BMPs must be selected and implemented to limit erosion on areas of your site that, due to
topography, activities, soils, cover, materials, or other factors are likely to experience erosion. Erosion
control BMPs such as seeding, mulching, and sodding prevent soil from becoming dislodged and
should be considered first. Sediment control BMPs such as silt fences, sediment ponds, and stabilized
entrances trap sediment after it has eroded. Sediment control BMPs should be used to back-up
erosion control BMPs.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Management of Runoff
Your SWPPP must contain a narrative evaluation of the appropriateness of stormwater management
practices that divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise manage stormwater runoff so as to reduce the
discharge of pollutants. Appropriate measures are highly site-specific, but may include, among others,
vegetative swales, collection and reuse of stormwater, inlet controls, snow management, infiltration
devices, and wet retention measures.
A combination of preventive and treatment BMPs will yield the most effective stormwater
management for minimizing the offsite discharge of pollutants via stormwater runoff. Though not
specifically outlined in this fact sheet, BMPs must also address preventive maintenance records or
logbooks, regular facility inspections, spill prevention and response, and employee training.
All BMPs require regular maintenance to function as intended. Some management measures have
simple maintenance requirements, others are quite involved. You must regularly inspect all BMPs to
ensure they are operating properly, including during runoff events. As soon as a problem is found,
action to resolve it should be initiated immediately.
Implement BMPs, such as those listed below in Table 2 for the control of pollutants at fabricated
metal product manufacturing facilities, to minimize and prevent the discharge of pollutants in
stormwater. Identifying weaknesses in current facility practices will aid the permittee in determining
appropriate BMPs that will achieve a reduction in pollutant loadings. BMPs listed in Table 2 are
broadly applicable to fabricated metal product manufacturing facilities; however, this is not a
complete list and you are recommended to consult with regulatory agencies or a stormwater
engineer/consultant to identify appropriate BMPs for your facility.
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Pollutant Source
BMPs
Metal fabricating areas
FJ Sweep fabrication areas frequently to avoid heavy accumulation of steel ingots, fines,
and scrap.
Q Absorb dust through a vacuum system to avoid accumulation on roof tops and onto the
ground.
Q Sweep all accessible paved areas on a regular basis.
Q Maintain floors in a clean and dry condition using dry cleanup techniques.
Q Remove waste and dispose of regularly.
Q Train employees on good housekeeping measures.
Raw material storage
areas
Store materials in a covered area whenever possible.
Organize storage areas so there is easy access in case of a spill.
Label stored materials to aid in identifying spill contents.
Minimize the amount of material stored to avoid corrosive activity from long-term
exposed materials.
Dike or berm the area to prevent or minimize run-on.
Keep area neat and orderly; stack neatly on pallets or off the ground.
Cover exposed materials.
Receiving, unloading, and
loading areas
Confine loading/unloading activities to designated areas outside drainage pathways and
away from surface waters.
Close storm drains during loading/unloading activities in surrounding areas.
EPA 833-F-06-042
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
(continued)
Pollutant Source
BMPs
Receiving, unloading, and
loading areas (continued)
FJ Use a dead-end sump where materials could be directed.
FJ Inspect containers for leaks or damage prior to loading/unloading.
FJ Avoid loading/unloading materials in the rain or provide cover or other protection for
loading docks.
FJ Provide diversion berms, dikes or grassed swales around the perimeter of the area to limit
run-on.
Q Cover loading and unloading areas and perform these activities on an impervious pad to
enable easy collection of spilled materials.
Q Slope the impervious concrete floor or pad to collect spills and leaks and convey them to
proper containment and treatment.
FJ Provide overhangs or door skirts to enclose trailer ends at truck loading/unloading docks
FJ For rail transfer, a drip pan shall be installed within the rails to collect spillage from the
tank.
FJ Where liquid or powdered materials are transferred in bulk to/from truck or rail cars,
ensure hose connection points at storage containers are inside containment areas, or drip
pans are used in areas where spillage may occur which are not in a containment area.
Q Enclose material handling systems.
Q Cover materials entering and leaving areas.
Q Use dry cleanup methods instead of washing the areas down.
Q Regularly sweep area to minimize debris on the ground.
Q Provide dust control if necessary. When controlling dust, sweep and/or apply water or
materials that will not impact surface or ground water.
Q Develop and implement spill prevention, containment, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans.
Q Train employees in spill prevention, control, cleanup, and proper materials management
techniques.
Heavy equipment storage
areas
Vehicles should be stored indoors when possible.
If stored outdoors, use gravel, concrete, or other porous surfaces to minimize or
prevent heavy equipment from creating ditches or other conveyances that would cause
sedimentation runoff and increase TSS loadings.
Provide covering for outdoor storage areas.
Divert drainage to the grass swales, filter strips, retention ponds, or holding tanks.
Direct drainage systems away from high traffic areas into collection systems.
Clean equipment prior to storage.
Metal working fluid areas
Store used metal working fluid with fine metal dust indoors.
Use tight sealing lids on all fluid containers.
Use straw, clay absorbents, sawdust, or synthetic absorbents to confine or contain any
spills.
Establish recycling programs for used fluids when possible.
Conduct daily inspections of each machine to identify problems and trends and reduce
fluid waste.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
(continued)
Pollutant Source
Metal working fluid areas
(continued)
Unprotected liquid
storage tanks
Chemical cleaners and
rinse water
Raw steel collection areas
Paints and painting
equipment
BMPs
FJ Use pumps, spigots, and funnels when transferring metal working fluid to reduce the
amount of lost fluid and the risk of spilling fluids.
FJ Fix leaking seals and gadgets to prevent leaks.
FJ If area is uncovered, connect sump outlet to sanitary sewer (if possible) or an oil/water
separator, catch basin filter, etc. If connecting to a sanitary sewer check with the system
operator to ensure that the discharge is acceptable. If implementing separator or filter
technologies ensure that regular inspections and maintenance procedures are in place.
Q Develop and implement spill plans.
FJ Train employees in spill prevention and control.
Above ground tanks
FJ Provide secondary containment, such as dikes, with a height sufficient to contain a
spill (the greater of 10 percent of the total enclosed tank volume or 1 10 percent of the
volume contained in the largest tank).
Q If containment structures have drains, ensure that the drains have valves, and that valves
are maintained in the closed position. Institute protocols for checking/testing stormwater
in containment areas prior to discharge.
Q Use double-walled tanks.
Q Keep liquid transfer nozzles/hoses in secondary containment area.
Q Include overflow protection.
Portable containers/drums
Q Store drums indoors when possible.
Q Store drums, including empty or used drums, in secondary containment with a roof or
cover (including temporary cover such as a tarp that prevents contact with precipitation).
Q Provide secondary containment, such as dikes or portable containers, with a height
sufficient to contain a spill (the greater of 1 0 percent of the total enclosed tank volume
or 1 1 0 percent of the volume contained in the largest tank).
Q Clearly label drum with its contents.
Q Use drip pans and other spill devices to collect spills or solvents and other liquid cleaners.
Q Recycle wastewater.
Q Store recyclable waste indoors or in covered containers.
Q Substitute nontoxic cleaning agents when possible.
Q Keep collection areas clean.
Q Keep materials in a covered storage bin or inside until pickup.
Q Collect scrap metals, fines, iron dust and store under cover and recycle.
FJ Paint and sand indoors when possible.
FJ If done outside, enclose sanding and painting areas with tarps or plastic sheeting.
Q Avoid painting and sandblasting operations outdoors in windy weather conditions.
Q Use tarps, drip pans, or other spill collection devices to contain and collect spills.
Q Use effective spray equipment that delivers more paint to the target and less overspray
Q Mix paints and solvents in designated areas away from drains, ditches, piers, and surface
waters, preferably indoors or under cover.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
(continued)
Pollutant Source
BMPs
Paints and painting
equipment (continued)
FJ Have absorbent and other cleanup items readily available for immediate cleanup of spills.
FJ Allow empty paint cans to dry before disposal.
FJ Keep paint and paint thinner away from traffic areas to avoid spills.
FJ Recycle paint, paint thinner, and solvents.
FJ Establish and implement effective inventory control to reduce paint waste, including
tracking date received and expiration dates.
Q Use water-based paints when possible.
Q Train employees to use the spray equipment properly.
Metal chip storage areas
FJ Store waste chips indoors, if possible.
FJ Cover outdoors chip storage containers.
FJ Place chip storage containers on asphalt or concrete surfaces.
FJ Be sure fluid has completely drained before placing chips in storage containers.
FJ Continue draining fluids, if necessary. This can be done as simply as tilting containers
towards one end and allowing excess fluids to drain through a hole into a residue
container.
Q Inspect area for leaks or spills.
Q Monitor and maintain containers on a regular basis. Empty storage or residue containers
and do not allow them to overflow.
Hazardous waste storage
areas
Q Cover and/or enclose storage areas (including temporary cover such as a tarp that
prevents contact with precipitation).
Q All hazardous waste must be stored in sealed drums.
Q Establish centralized satellite drum-storage areas.
Q Provide secondary containment around chemical storage areas.
FJ If containment structures have drains, ensure that the drains have valves, and that valves
are maintained in the closed position. Institute protocols for checking/testing stormwater
in containment areas prior to discharge.
FJ Check for corrosion and leakage of storage containers.
FJ Label materials clearly.
FJ Properly dispose of outdated materials.
FJ Dike or use grass swales, ditches, or other containment to prevent run-on or runoff in
case of spills.
Q Post notices prohibiting dumping of materials into storm drains.
Q Store containers, drums, and bags away from high traffic routes and surface waters.
Q Do not stack containers in such a way as to cause leaks or damage to the containers.
Q Use pallets to store containers when possible.
Q Store materials with adequate space for traffic without disturbing drums.
Q Maintain low inventory level of chemicals based on need.
Q Train employees in spill prevention and control and proper hazardous waste management
EPA 833-F-06-042
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
(continued)
Pollutant Source
Equipment/vehicle
maintenance areas
BMPs
Good Housekeeping
FJ Eliminate floor drains that are connected to the storm or sanitary sewer; if necessary,
install a sump that is pumped regularly.
Q Prevent spills and drips.
Q Use drip plans, drain boards, and drying racks to direct drips back into a sink or fluid
holding tank for reuse.
FJ Drain all parts of fluids prior to disposal. Oil filters can be crushed and recycled.
Q Promptly transfer used fluids to the proper container; do not leave full drip pans or other
open containers around the shop. Empty and clean drip pans and containers.
Q Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, air filters, batteries, spent coolant, and degreasers
properly.
FJ Label and track the recycling of waste material (e.g., used oil, spent solvents, batteries).
Q Maintain an organized inventory of materials.
Q Eliminate or reduce the number or amount of hazardous materials and waste by
substituting nonhazardous or less hazardous materials.
FJ Clean up leaks, drips, and other spills without using large amounts of water.
Q Prohibit the practice of hosing down an area where the practice would result in the
exposure of pollutants to stormwater.
Q Clean without using liquid cleaners whenever possible.
FJ Perform all cleaning at a centralized station so the solvents stay in one area.
Q If parts are dipped in liquid, remove them slowly to avoid spills.
FJ Do not pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks, outdoor storm drain inlets, or other
storm drains or sewer connections.
Minimizing Exposure
Q Perform all cleaning operations indoors or under covering when possible. Conduct the
cleaning operations in an area with a concrete floor with no floor drainage other than to
sanitary sewers or treatment facilities.
Q If operations are uncovered, perform them on concrete pad that is impervious and
contained.
FJ Park vehicles and equipment indoors or under a roof whenever possible and maintain
proper control of oil leaks/spills
FJ Inspect vehicles closely for leaks and use pans to collect fluid when leaks occur.
Management of Runoff
FJ Use berms, curbs, grassed swales or similar means to ensure that stormwater runoff from
other parts of the facility does not flow over the maintenance area.
FJ Collect the stormwater runoff from the cleaning area and providing treatment or
recycling. Discharge vehicle wash or rinse water to the sanitary sewer (if allowed by
sewer authority), wastewater treatment, a land application site, or recycled on-site. DO
NOT discharge washwater to a storm drain or to surface water.
Inspections and Training
Q Inspect the maintenance area regularly to insure BMPs are implemented.
FJ Train employees on proper waste control and disposal procedures.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
(continued)
Pollutant Source
BMPs
Vehicle fueling
FJ Conduct fueling operations (including the transfer of fuel from tank trucks) on an
impervious or contained pad or under a roof or canopy where possible. Covering should
extend beyond spill containment pad to prevent rain from entering.
Q When fueling in uncovered area, use a concrete pad (not asphalt - not chemically
resistant to the fuels being handled).
Q Use drip pans where leaks or spills of fuel can occur and where making and breaking
hose connections.
Q Use fueling hoses with check valves to prevent hose drainage after filling.
FJ Use spill and overflow protection devices.
FJ Cleanup spills and leaks immediately.
FJ Minimize/eliminate run-on onto fueling areas.
FJ Collect stormwater runoff and provide treatment or recycling.
FJ Use dry cleanup methods for fuel area rather than hosing the fuel area down. Sweep up
absorbents as soon as spilled substances have been absorbed.
FJ Regularly inspect and perform preventive maintenance on storage tanks to detect
potential leaks before they occur.
FJ Inspect the fueling area for leaks and spills.
Q Provide curbing or posts around fuel pumps to prevent collisions from vehicles.
Q Discourage "topping off" of fuel tanks.
Q Train personnel on vehicle fueling BMPs.
Vehicle and equipment
cleaning
FJ Designate vehicle and equipment wash areas that drain to recycle ponds or process
wastewater treatment systems.
FJ Conduct vehicle washing operation indoors or in a covered area.
Q Clean washwater residue from portions of the site that drain to stormwater discharges.
Q Train employees on proper procedure for washing vehicles and equipment including a
discussion of the appropriate location for vehicle washing.
Transporting chemicals to
storage areas
Store drums as close to operational building as possible.
Label all drums with proper warning and handling instructions.
Forklift operators should be trained to avoid puncturing drums.
Finished products
(galvanized) storage
Store finished products indoors, on a wooden pallets concrete pad, gravel surface, or
other impervious surface.
Wooden pallets and
empty drums
FJ Clean contaminated wooden pallets.
FJ Cover empty drums.
FJ Cover contaminated wooden pallets.
FJ Store drums and pallets indoors.
FJ Clean empty drums.
FJ Store pallets and drums on concrete pads.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector AA: Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Facilities
What if activities and materials at my facility are not exposed to
precipitation?
The industrial stormwater program requires permit coverage for a number of specified types of
industrial activities. However, when a facility is able to prevent the exposure of ALL relevant activities
and materials to precipitation, it may be eligible to claim no exposure and qualify for a waiver from
permit coverage.
If you are regulated under the industrial permitting program, you must either obtain permit coverage
or submit a no exposure certification form, if available. Check with your permitting authority for
additional information as not every permitting authority program provides no exposure exemptions.
Where do I get more information?
For additional information on the industrial stormwater program see
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp.
A list of names and telephone numbers for each EPA Region or state NPDES permitting authority can
be found at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatercontacts.
References
Information contained in this Fact Sheet was compiled from EPA's past and present Multi-Sector
General Permits and from the following sources:
4 City of Phoenix, Arizona, Street Transportation Department. 2004. Prevent Storm Water
Contamination: Best Management Practices for Section AC - Electronic & Electrical equipment
or components. Photographic & Optical Goods Manufacturers.
http://phoenix.gov/STREETS/eleltrnic.pdf
4 U.S. EPA, Office of Science and Technology. 1999. Preliminary Data Summary of Urban
Stormwater Best Management Practices. EPA-821-R-99-012
www.epa.gov/OST/stormwater
4 U.S. EPA, Office of Wastewater Management. NPDES Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit
for Industrial Activities (MSGP).
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp
4 Washington State Department of Ecology. 1999. Metal Machining Sector: A Pollution
Prevention Assessment and Guidance. Publication #99-412.
www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/99412.pdf
EPA 833-F-06-042 11
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