Stormwater Source Control Program

The stormwater source control inspection program is administered under Shelton Municipal Code, Chapters 13.02 (Stormwater Management) and 13.04 (Storm Drainage Utility), as well as the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit and other state and federal laws. The Phase II permit was issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), administered by the Department of Ecology.

One of the Phase II permit requirements is for us to develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater source control program for publicly and privately owned institutional, commercial, and industrial sites which have the potential to generate pollutants.

View Stormwater Source Control - Intro Letter (PDF)

Purpose
The goal of the source control inspection program is to prevent pollution and provide education and technical assistance for identified businesses or sites to help them achieve and maintain compliance. Businesses identified have the potential to generate pollutants that would enter the municipal separate stormwater system.

Education and technical assistance will focus on implementing, operating, and maintaining best management practices (or BMPs). Although this program does have a progressive enforcement policy, the overall goal is to build a collaborative relationship between the City and business/site owners.

Simple best management practices can be used to correct many source control deficiencies - such as washing vehicles indoors or at a professional carwash that drains to the sanitary sewer, or training employees on spill response and spill kit use. 

How the Inspection Works
Each site inspection will differ, depending on business type and on-site activities. The City will select and prioritize inspections based on business type, on-site activities, proximity to receiving waters, and compliance history. Inspections will be scheduled in advance with the business/site owner or manager to ensure a thorough and safe inspection. Some businesses may conduct minimal activities outdoors or be seasonally dependent.

The inspector may choose to view:
  • On-site BMPs
  • Storm drains and flow control structures/confirmation of flow path from interior floor drains
  • Ground disturbance or contamination
  • Evidence of past spills
  • Vehicle washing areas or evidence of washing
  • Material handling and storage areas and loading/unloading areas
  • Waste disposal areas
  • Chemical storage areas
  • Equipment fueling or maintenance areas
  • Evidence or presence of illicit discharges or connections
  • Presence of spill kits
  • Overall site conditions (cleanliness/upkeep)
Follow-Up Inspections
Follow-up inspections may occur after an initial inspection determines that the site is out of compliance. Timelines for follow-up inspections may vary depending on the severity or complexity of the violation and scheduling.

The inspector will contact the site owner/representative to confirm they will be on-site for the re-inspection.

Determining Inspection Frequency
Inspection frequency will vary depending on land use/Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, a four-digit number that identifies a specific, short descriptor of the type of business that a company is engaged in and compliance history. Inspection frequency is calculated based on a points system. 

The inspector will have a hard copy of the sheet used to calculate inspection frequency at the time of your inspection.

Land Use/SIC Code Points (1-3)
12 - Residential (2-4 Units) 1
13 - Residential (Multiunits) 1
14 - Residential (Condo) 1
15 - Residential (Mobile Home Park) 1
16 - Residential (Hotels/Motels) 2
17 - Residential (Institutional Lodging) 1
18 - Residential (All Other) 1
21 - Commercial (Food) 3
24 - Commercial (Lumber and Wood) 3
27 - Commercial (Printing and Publishing) 2
29 - Commercial (Petrolium) 3
34 - Commercial (Fabricated Metal Products) 3
39 - Commercial (Miscellaneous) 3
41 - Transportation (Railroad) 3
45 - Transportation (Highway) 2
46 - Transportation (Auto-Parking) 2
47 - Transportation (Communication) 1
48 - Transportation (Utilities) 1
51 - Trade (Wholesale Trade) 3
52 - Trade (Retail Trade) 2
53 - Trade (General Merchandise) 2
54 - Trade (Food) 3
55 - Trade (Auto) 3
56 - Trade (Apparel) 1
57 - Trade (Furniture and Equipment) 2
58 - Trade (Eating and Drinking) 3
59 - Trade (Other) 2
61 - Services (Finance/Insurance/Real Estate) 1
62 - Services (Personal) 1
63 - Services (Business) 1
64 - Services (Repair) 3
65 - Services (Professional) 2
66 - Services (Contract) 2
67 - Services (Governmental) 1
68 - Services (Educational) 2
69 - Services (Miscellaneous) 1
71 - Recreational (Cultural) 1
72 - Recreational (Public Assembly) 1
74 - Recreational (Rec. Activities) 1
82 - Resource (Agricultural Activities) 2
91 - Undeveloped Land 1


Compliance History Points (0-3)
No Deficiencies or Immediately Corrected Minor Issues 0
In Compliance After Education and Technical Assistance 1
In Compliance After Corrective Action Letter and Follow-Up 2
Issues Achieving Compliance or Maintaining Compliance 3

Total Score Frequency
1-2 Every 5 Years
3-4 Every 2-3 Years
5-6 Annual