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Source Protection Fact Sheet: What DPWs can do to protect drinking water supplies
Roads and Road Maintenance
- Contain and cover road salts and road-construction materials at municipal garages. Ensure that runoff is treated according to MassDEP regulations and directed away from drinking water sources.
- If vehicles are washed at municipal garages and fire stations, all wash water should drain to a municipal sanitary sewer or tight tank.
- Handle hazardous materials and waste according to MassDEP regulations. For more information, see the "Requirements For Small Quantity Generators Of Hazardous Waste" at http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/compliance/factguid.htm#collection to determine your status and regulatory requirements.
Stormwater
- Develop and implement a stormwater management plan. For more information, see the Stormwater Handbook: http://mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/stormwat.htm
- Use street sweeping and structural solutions such as swales and catchbasins to best manage stormwater from streets and parking lots. Route stormwater drains away from drinking water sources.
- Inspect and clean out stormwater catchbasins on a regular basis. Catch-basin cleanings are classified as solid waste and must be handled and disposed of in accordance with all MassDEP regulations, policies and guidance.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
If your municipality does not already have household hazardous waste collection, help to set up collection, or work with neighboring communities to set up regional collections. See http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/househol.htm.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
Develop and follow a turf management program for athletic playing fields and municipal recreation areas that minimize fertilizer and pesticides, especially near water supplies. For more information on turf management see: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/lawn.htm
Emergency Response
Have copies of the local emergency response plans on hand, and be aware of the location of water supply protection areas in case the fire department and other municipal officials need your help in emergency response.
Municipal Buildings
Implement standard operating procedures regarding proper storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials at public buildings. For more information, see http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/compliance/factguid.htm#collection
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