who knows where the stormwater goes? · geographically, bieap directs management of the area...

Who Knows Where the Stormwater Goes?

A Pilot Project to Promote Stormwater Best

Management Practices in Vancouver

August 24, 2010

Acknowledgements

BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 1

Acknowledgements

The Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) has guided the development of BIEAP’s stormwater pollution prevention pilot project. Core members of the PIC committee that contributed to the pilot project included:

Juergen Baumann (Chair), Port Metro Vancouver

Ken Bennett, District of North Vancouver

David Desrochers, City of Vancouver

Liz Freyman, BC Ministry of Environment

Deborah Glanville, Environment Canada

Lynn Landry, Metro Vancouver

Brian Naito, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Julie Pavey, City of Port Moody

BIEAP program staff included:

Annemarie De Andrade

Caroline Dorr

Michelle Gaudry

Anna Usborne

In addition to PIC members and BIEAP staff, a number of people provided data, supplied guidance, answered questions, and reviewed draft reports. BIEAP would like to thank:

City of Vancouver

Bruce Cook

Carolyn Drugge

Marvin Hamilton

Andrew Ling

David Robertson

Metro Vancouver

Jeff Gogol

Vaillant Tang

City of Port Moody

Ashley Graham

Anna Usborne, Masters Candidate in the Resource and Environmental Management program at Simon Fraser University, conducted the field research and prepared the final stormwater pollution pilot project report on behalf of the BIEAP Plan Implementation Committee.

Executive Summary


Executive Summary

The Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) is an intergovernmental partnership between federal, provincial, regional, and municipal governments working to improve and protect the environmental quality of Burrard Inlet. Guided by the BIEAP Consolidated Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), agencies work to meet five broad objectives and 21 action items. To contribute to Action 1.4, “Share information and contribute to the effort to eliminate non‐point source pollution in Burrard Inlet”, BIEAP has undertaken a multi‐year project to compile and distribute Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater pollution prevention in small businesses surrounding Burrard Inlet.

To follow previous years’ work generating outreach materials outlining BMPs, BIEAP developed and piloted a comprehensive outreach approach for delivering posters and stormwater Best Management practices to commercial operations, targeting businesses in areas undergoing sewer separation. The objectives of the project included evaluating businesses’ current approach to stormwater pollution prevention, delivering outreach materials and encouraging adoption of BMPs through targeted site visits, and evaluating whether the outreach approach was effective in altering businesses’ awareness and behaviour in regards to stormwater pollution prevention. To accomplish these objectives, a BIEAP summer student visited seven businesses in South East False Creek in Vancouver on three separate occasions from June to August, 2010.

Results of the project show that before outreach activities, businesses had little to no awareness of stormwater infrastructure, sewer separation, or policies regulating storm drains. Consequently, several businesses undertook routine maintenance and housekeeping practices that contributed to stormwater pollution. Though all businesses generally handled and disposed of their hazardous materials carefully through a recognized contractor, only one business was adequately prepared to address a hazardous spill on their property. After delivering targeted letters of advice and BMP posters to businesses, BIEAP found that awareness of stormwater issues and pollution concerns had greatly increased among business contacts. However, the increase of awareness only translated into limited behaviour change at businesses.

The results of the BIEAP stormwater BMP pilot project indicate that a stormwater outreach campaign is required to raise awareness of stormwater pollution issues in areas such as South East False Creek in Vancouver. As stormwater awareness increases among businesses, authorities can expect to witness small changes in behaviour. However, to ensure ongoing improvement in stormwater pollution prevention, municipalities will have to invest in long‐term and committed outreach programs which are combined with enforcement and recognition of businesses’ efforts to improve environmental performance. Municipalities may have to offer technical and financial support to businesses which face infrastructural barriers to improving their stormwater management.

The City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, with support from provincial and federal agencies, can begin outreach efforts by distributing stormwater BMPs to commercial operations

Executive Summary


using existing distributional networks. Concurrently, BIEAP partner agencies should work to identify opportunities for collaboration in order to establish permanent outreach programs in municipalities surrounding Burrard Inlet. With ongoing efforts to promote, enforce, and reward stormwater pollution prevention, BIEAP will be continuing to address their goal of improving water quality in the Inlet.

For further information regarding BIEAPs stormwater pollution prevention outreach program, please contact:

Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program Attn: Michelle Gaudry, Policy Coordinator 501‐5945 Kathleen Avenue Burnaby, BC V5H 4J7 Phone: 604‐775‐5195 Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents


Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 3 1.1 BURRARD INLET ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PROGRAM (BIEAP) .................................................... 3 1.1.1 The Consolidated Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) ................................... 3

1.2 STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROJECT ....................................................................... 4 1.2.1 Combined Sewer Separation in Vancouver................................................................ 4 1.2.2 Targeting Commercial Stormwater Pollution ............................................................ 5 1.2.3 Previous Work............................................................................................................ 5 1.2.4 Objectives................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.5 Site Selection and Description.................................................................................... 7

2 METHODS ......................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 PROJECT DESIGN ................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 PREPARATION ....................................................................................................................... 9 2.2.1 Liaising with Existing Programs ................................................................................. 9 2.2.2 Site Review Materials Preparation .......................................................................... 10

2.3 SITE REVIEWS ..................................................................................................................... 11 2.3.1 Choosing Businesses ................................................................................................ 11 2.3.2 Conducting Site Reviews .......................................................................................... 11 2.3.3 Delivering Targeted Letters and Posters.................................................................. 12 2.3.4 Follow‐Up Site Visits ................................................................................................ 12 2.3.5 Record Keeping ........................................................................................................ 12

3 RESULTS.......................................................................................................................... 13 3.1 OVERVIEW OF SITE REVIEWS ................................................................................................. 13 3.2 RESULTS OF FIRST SITE VISITS ................................................................................................ 13 3.2.1 Awareness................................................................................................................ 16 3.2.2 Stormwater Management ....................................................................................... 16 3.2.3 Hazardous Materials................................................................................................ 16 3.2.4 Waste Disposal and Housekeeping.......................................................................... 16 3.2.5 Observations of Businesses Not Visited ................................................................... 17

3.3 RESULTS OF SECOND SITE VISIT.............................................................................................. 17 3.3.1 Observed/Reported Changes ................................................................................... 17 3.3.2 Reaction to Educational Materials .......................................................................... 20 3.3.3 Reported Barriers to Making Changes..................................................................... 20

3.4 SUMMARY OF RESULTS......................................................................................................... 21 4 RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................... 22 4.1 THE NEED FOR A STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM........................................... 22 4.1.1 A Stormwater Program for Vancouver .................................................................... 22

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGNING A STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM............ 23 4.3 ONGOING CHALLENGES ........................................................................................................ 27 4.4 FIRST STEPS ........................................................................................................................ 28 4.5 PROJECT LIMITATIONS .......................................................................................................... 28

5 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................. 30 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................... 31 APPENDIX 1: MAP OF STUDY AREA ................................................................................................... 32 APPENDIX 2: INTRODUCTORY LETTER FOR PARTICIPANT BUSINESSES....................................................... 33 APPENDIX 3: INFORMATION SHEET FOR INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE ......................................................... 34

Table of Contents


APPENDIX 4: RESOURCE SHEETS FOR INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE ............................................................. 35 APPENDIX 5: SITE REVIEW FORM ...................................................................................................... 37 APPENDIX 6: GENERIC EXAMPLE OF A TARGETED LETTER ...................................................................... 42 APPENDIX 7: EXAMPLE OF BIEAP BMP POSTER ................................................................................. 46 APPENDIX 8: FOLLOW‐UP SITE VISIT QUESTIONNAIRE.......................................................................... 47

List of Figures Figure 1: Steps of BIEAP Stormwater BMP Outreach Pilot Project ................................................. 9

List of Tables

Table 1: Business Descriptions and Initial Site Review Results ..................................................... 15

Table 2: Results of Initial and Follow‐Up Business Visits............................................................... 19

Introduction


1 Introduction

1.1 Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP)

The Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) is an intergovernmental

partnership working to improve and protect the environmental quality of Burrard Inlet. BIEAP

partners include Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, Transport Canada, the

British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Metro Vancouver and Port Metro Vancouver.

Geographically, BIEAP directs management of the area encompassing the marine foreshore and

tidal waters east of a line between Point Atkinson and Point Grey, including False Creek, Port

Moody Arm and Indian Arm.

Since 1991, BIEAP partners have coordinated their planning and operational decision

making to support a thriving port and urban community, co‐existing with a healthy

environment. To meet their vision, BIEAP outlines four overall objectives:

• Improve water quality in Burrard Inlet

• Minimize the effects of contaminated soils and sediments on human and ecological

health

• Maintain and enhance productive fish and wildlife habitat and the natural biodiversity of

Burrard Inlet

• Encourage human and economic development activities that enhance the

environmental quality of Burrard Inlet

1.1.1 The Consolidated Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)

The Consolidated Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is the key policy framework to

implement the BIEAP objectives outlined in section 1.1. Approved by partners in 2002, the plan

has since been endorsed by seven municipalities in the Burrard Inlet watershed. To coordinate

the implementation of the plan, BIEAP created a Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) in 2003

to prepare annual work plans and monitor plan actions. Committee members include

representatives of BIEAP partner agencies and municipalities.

Introduction


The CEMP includes a compendium of environmental policies and regulations pertaining to

Burrard Inlet, establishes a common basis for reviewing development proposals, and outlines a

series of shared goals, objectives and actions that will ensure plan implementation. Of the 21

overarching actions designed to address the Burrard Inlet ecosystem as a whole, five actions

address water quality and waste management. CEMP Action 1.4, which guides the work detailed

in this report, reads, “Share information and contribute to the effort to eliminate non‐point

source pollution in Burrard Inlet”.

1.2 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Project

To address CEMP Action 1.4, BIEAP has led an initiative to investigate and begin to

address the ecologically harmful effects of contaminated stormwater runoff entering Burrard

Inlet. Considered one of the largest sources of non‐point source pollution for the Inlet,

contaminated stormwater originates when pollutants are carried by moving water from outdoor

surfaces such as roads, rooftops, driveways, and loading docks into the municipal stormwater

system. Though each contributing source of contamination may be minute, cumulative

contamination over time and geographic area significantly impacts marine water quality and

ecosystem health. Concerns regarding stormwater contamination are particularly acute in urban

municipalities such as Vancouver which are currently undergoing a process to separate their

combined sewer systems.

1.2.1 Combined Sewer Separation in Vancouver

Historically, Vancouver transported their sanitary and storm water in a combined sewer

system to be treated before discharge into local waterways. Though effective under most

conditions, the combined system becomes ineffective when overwhelmed during high rainfall

events, resulting in raw sewage being ejected directly into water bodies. To eliminate the

intermittent overflows and decrease the overall load on water treatment facilities, Vancouver is

committed to separating the City’s sewers by 2050. Under a separated system, only sanitary

sewage flows to the water treatment plant, while stormwater is discharged into the nearest

water body. Having separated sewers requires a heightened public awareness to ensure only

Introduction


pure rainwater carrying no contaminants enters storm drains1. Ensuring industrial pollutants and

hazardous materials are not washed into storm drains will be particularly critical as Vancouver

continues their sewer separation processes.

1.2.2 Targeting Commercial Stormwater Pollution

Processes carried out at small businesses can produce, consume, and dispose of large

quantities of materials that can become aquatic pollutants when introduced to water bodies

through runoff, leaching, leaks, and deposition from the air. Decreasing commercial sources of

stormwater pollution can greatly reduce non‐point source contamination of urban water bodies,

particularly in areas with separated sewers. One efficient method for decreasing commercial

stormwater pollution is for businesses to adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs). Best

Management Practices for reduction of stormwater pollution outline how businesses can

operate and handle materials proactively to ensure potentially harmful contaminants do not

leave workplace boundaries. Adopting BMPs will also help businesses ensure they are operating

in full compliance with environmental laws. BIEAP expects that with the promotion and

subsequent adoption of BMPs by businesses in the Burrard Inlet watershed, marine water

quality will improve.

1.2.3 Previous Work

To encourage the adoption of Best Management Practices by businesses in the Burrard

Inlet watershed, the BIEAP Plan Implementation Committee has supported a multi‐year project.

Beginning in 2008, BIEAP has hired summer students to begin developing, refining and

promoting Best Management Practices for stormwater pollution reduction in the commercial

sector.

Phase 1 (2008)

The first year of the project saw a university student gather and compile existing Best

Management Practices identified and outlined by diffuse sources both locally and

internationally. As a final product, the student compiled information pamphlets of

1 The term “storm drain” is used purposely throughout this report as an alternative to the traditional term “storm sewer”. BIEAP has chosen to use the word “drain” instead of “sewer” to more accurately reflect that the drainage system is designed to carry clean water rather than the dirty waste water one traditionally associates with the idea of a “sewer”.

Introduction


approximately 4‐pages each, outlining specific Best Management Practices for 15 different

business types.

Phase 2 (2009)

Although the pamphlets developed in 2008 are excellent compilations of available

information, BIEAP recognizes the information‐ and text‐heavy pamphlets may not be the most

effective tool for communicating with commercial businesses. To develop a more influential tool

for disseminating Best Practice suggestions, the 2009 BIEAP student worked with

representatives of various businesses to refine the pamphlets and condense the available

information into workable outreach materials. Business representatives agreed concise posters

would be the most effective outreach material in most cases. Responding to suggestions, the

final products of the second year included basic design for one‐page posters and accompanying

short checklists of BMPs for distribution to various sectors. Next steps involved engaging a

graphic designer to develop final 1‐page posters of BMPs for eight business types.

Phase III (2010)

BIEAP recognizes that poster delivery will have to be only one component of a larger

educational, promotional, and industry‐supported campaign to witness widespread behaviour

change and BMP adoption in businesses. Before investing in a large‐scale program to encourage

commercial BMP adoption, BIEAP partners need to identify the most efficient and effective

manner to disseminate the posters and promote Best Management Practices in Burrard Inlet.

In 2010, BIEAP hired a summer student to pilot and evaluate one approach to

disseminating stormwater pollution prevention posters and BMPs to businesses in the Burrard

Inlet watershed, as well as to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for

expansion of the pilot project if deemed successful. The remainder of this report outlines the

objectives, methods, results and recommendations of the third Phase of BIEAP’s stormwater

BMP project.

1.2.4 Objectives

By pursuing the following objectives, BIEAP piloted one approach to encourage adoption of Best

Management Practices in small businesses. Completing the project further identified

requirements and opportunities for expansion of a stormwater pollution prevention program by

BIEAP partners and PIC committee members.

Introduction


Objectives

1. Evaluate stormwater management performance in target businesses prior to delivery of

BMP educational materials.

2. Develop and deliver a series of outreach materials for businesses to reference as a part

of an overall outreach approach designed to improve their stormwater management

practices.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the BIEAP outreach approach and BIEAP outreach

materials for adoption of BMPs in target businesses.

4. Develop recommendations for the continuation of the activities of the BIEAP outreach

pilot project in Burrard Inlet.

1.2.5 Site Selection and Description

To carry out the stormwater pollution outreach pilot project, BIEAP chose to limit the

pilot project by geographic area. BIEAP aimed to operate in an urban catchment basin where

water quality sampling results suggested high levels of non‐point source pollution. Additionally,

PIC members decided the project should occur in an area where combined sewer separation is

ongoing or complete to reach audiences where the information will have a high impact.

Based on data supplied by the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, BIEAP chose the

area of South East False Creek in Vancouver to deploy the pilot study. The project area is

defined by the boundaries of the Columbia Street outfall catchment area, which discharges

storm water into False Creek (Appendix 1). False Creek water quality statistics reflect poor

indicators for industrial pollutants such as copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, and hydrocarbons.

Further, the Columbia Catchment basin has been undergoing sewer separation recently, with

nearly all sewers on City of Vancouver property separated or projected to be separated by 2011.

The Columbia Street catchment area is additionally an excellent study area given the large

amount of small‐scale operations who handle potential pollutants within the study area

boundaries. South East False Creek is recognized as an area that houses a high concentration of

auto body and auto repair operations, small scale cleaners, parts suppliers for industry and small

scale manufacturing operations.

Methods


2 Methods

2.1 Project Design

Project design was influenced by results of the previous years’ work on stormwater BMPs,

theories of behaviour change, BIEAP staff member expertise, and realities of project funds and

timelines. The goal of the project design is to pilot a stormwater BMP outreach approach that is

targeted specifically to each participating business. The heart of the targeted approach is

undertaking a site review with a business owner or manager, followed by personally delivering a

letter outlining BMPs specifically pertinent to the business. The letter is delivered along with a

poster outlining industry‐specific BMPs, as developed by BIEAP. In addition to the site review

and letter delivery, the participating business is visited a minimum of two additional times by

BIEAP, once to establish contact and provide introductory information, and once to follow up a

month after delivery of the targeted letter and poster. The purpose of the follow up visit is to

assess the adoption of BMPs in the workplace as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the

BIEAP outreach approach as a whole.

Methods


Figure 1: Steps of BIEAP Stormwater BMP Outreach Pilot Project

2.2 Preparation

2.2.1 Liaising with Existing Programs

As a part of the preparatory process, BIEAP met with the City of Vancouver Engineering

Department, the Sewer Separation Team, and the Environmental Protection Branch. The

meetings helped confirm the project area, revealed how Vancouver currently addresses

stormwater pollution issues, and helped direct BIEAP efforts to ensure the pilot project worked

to fill gaps in existing City of Vancouver stormwater programs. Contact remained fluid with the

City of Vancouver throughout the project to ensure the City kept up to date on BIEAP’s work in

the project area.

Contact Businesses to Request Participation

June 2010

Conduct Site Review Visit

&

Deliver Introductory Information Package

June 2010

Deliver Targeted Letter of Advice and BMP Poster

June 2010

Conduct Follow Up Visits to Evaluate BIEAP Outreach

Approach

August 2010

Methods


2.2.2 Site Review Materials Preparation

To conduct effective site reviews with a variety of businesses as well as to properly

evaluate the effectiveness of the BIEAP outreach approach, a series of materials were prepared.

Project materials included:

• Introductory Package. The package included:

- An introductory letter from BIEAP (Appendix 2);

- A copy of abbreviated Burrard Inlet Consolidated Environmental Management Plan;

- A one‐page information sheet addressing stormwater (Appendix 3);

- A two‐page information sheet detailing emergency phone numbers and environmental resources (Appendix 4);

- A two‐page handout from the BC Environmental Industry Association detailing proper management of hazardous waste (businesses either received a handout specific to their sector or a general handout addressing hazardous waste); and,

- A one‐page spreadsheet of hazardous waste accredited receivers and processors

• Site Review Form (Appendix 5). The site review form consisted of six sections:

- Company Information;

- Environmental Management;

- Stormwater Management;

- Hazardous Materials Management;

- Wastewater Management;

- Waste Management; and,

- Follow Up Questions

The site review form was designed to be applicable to any small‐scale, light industrial or

commercial business with storm drains on their property whose business processes involve

materials that can act as aquatic pollutants if released to the environment. By completing

the form during site visits, BIEAP was able to determine a numerical score for businesses,

rating the effectiveness of their stormwater management.

• Targeted Letter Template. Following site reviews, each business received a targeted letter

of advice, suggesting specific BMPs pertinent to their business. Though each letter was

unique, letters followed a consistent format (see Appendix 6). For those businesses in the

auto‐sector, BIEAP included with the letter a copy of the City of Vancouver’s Automotive

Methods


Sales and Servicing Operations Bulletin from 2007, outlining expectations and BMPs for

environmental protection.

• BMP Posters (Appendix 7). Posters, prepared prior to launching the pilot project, were the

product of past BIEAP work on developing commercial BMP outreach materials for

stormwater protection.

• Follow‐up Visit Questionnaire (Appendix 8). One month following delivery of the targeted

letter and poster, BIEAP revisited businesses to evaluate if any behaviour change occurred

and/or if BMPs were adopted. BIEAP also developed questions to help assess the

effectiveness of the BIEAP outreach approach as a whole.

2.3 Site Reviews

The site review process included: choosing and making initial contact with businesses,

conducting the site visit with the business owner or manager, delivering the targeted letter and

poster, and following up approximately one month after the site visit.

2.3.1 Choosing Businesses

Businesses were approached by the BIEAP summer student to determine their level of

interest in participating in the project. Only businesses located within the project area and who

undertook work that had some potential for polluting storm water (based on visual assessment)

at their place of business were approached to participate. If a business showed interest in

participating, all efforts were made to complete site reviews at the business’ convenience.

2.3.2 Conducting Site Reviews

Site visits took from 20 minutes to one hour to complete, based on the level of complexity

and enthusiasm of the participating business representative. Site visits began with the BIEAP

summer student gathering general information about the company before touring the indoor

and outdoor work areas with a business representative. Questions outlined in the site review

form were rarely asked verbatim, but were rather answered as a part of an ongoing

conversation with the business representative. Once all applicable questions from the site

review form were answered, the business representative was reminded of the follow‐up visits to

come, and supplied with an introductory information package to review at their convenience.

Methods


2.3.3 Delivering Targeted Letters and Posters

Approximately one week following initial site visits, the BIEAP summer student delivered

an industry specific stormwater BMP poster to the participating business along with a targeted

letter of advice addressing stormwater management issues arising during site visits. The

materials were delivered to the business representative and briefly explained (these visits lasted

no longer than 10 minutes).

2.3.4 Follow-Up Site Visits

Follow up site visits were arranged by phone or in person one month following delivery of

targeted letters and posters. Follow up visits lasted approximately 20‐30 minutes. During site

visits, BIEAP asked the business representative to speak to any items from the targeted letter

and recorded whether changes occurred at the business to address the items. The student

further asked a series of follow up questions to engage in conversation regarding the

effectiveness of the BIEAP outreach approach and educational materials provided.

2.3.5 Record Keeping

The BIEAP summer student recorded all businesses who were asked to participate and

their reaction to the appeal. For businesses who did participate, business details and site visit

results were entered into Microsoft Excel to maintain a record of their participation, site review

scores, and dates of all interactions.

Results


3 Results

3.1 Overview of Site Reviews

In total, BIEAP approached 25 businesses to participate in the pilot project, seven of

which completed initial site visits with BIEAP staff. All businesses approached to participate in

the project were courteous and receptive to the project explanation. As expected, a number of

businesses who outwardly appeared as if they could benefit from stormwater outreach were

not interested in participating, though several businesses proved this trend untrue. Of the

businesses choosing not to participate, 13 stated they were not interested in the project, while

five showed some initial interest but either changed their minds or a suitable time for both

BIEAP and the business could not be coordinated within a reasonable timeframe for the pilot

project. For those not interested, reasons given included being too busy, feeling overrun with

environmental information, feeling the project was not applicable to them, or feeling they had

little to learn from participating in the process.

The seven visits conducted included reviewing a variety of business types and

compositions. Due to the high concentration of auto businesses in South East False Creek, four

of the seven businesses visited related to various aspects of the auto sector, while the remaining

three represented a diversity of sectors. See Table 1 for descriptions of businesses.

3.2 Results of First Site Visits

During site review visits, BIEAP gathered data through observation and conversation with

the business contacts. Table 1 and sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.5 outline the major findings pertinent to

commercial stormwater awareness and stormwater pollution management at participating

businesses.

Overall, initial site review scores ranged from 15% to 85%, with six out of the seven

businesses scoring lower than 55% on the site review form. Though detailed site review scores

varied largely between businesses and across categories, generalized results highlight several

trends (see Table 1). Most prominently, businesses consistently scored the lowest in categories

addressing stormwater awareness, with few businesses aware of their storm drain system or the

destination of their drains. Second, though all businesses handled their hazardous materials and

Results


wastes responsibly, only one business had the capacity to address the volume of hazardous

liquid that could potentially spill on their property and reach their storm drains. Third, though

some businesses generally undertook responsible waste and stormwater management, staff

regularly undertook polluting activities. Evidence suggests that engagement in small, routine but

polluting activities by businesses is in part linked to lack of awareness and lack of visible

consequences for businesses which pollute.

Results


Table 1: Business Descriptions and Initial Site Review Results

Waste Disposal and House-keeping

Dra

ins

Legi

slat

ion

Sew

er

Sepa

ratio

n

Staf

f

Infra

stru

ctur

e

Prac

tices

Stor

age

and

Han

dlin

g

Dis

posa

l

Spill

Res

pons

e

Gen

eral

Autobody Repair Shop

Auto body repair and painting. No mechanical work. 10 7 Owned

Indep-endent 52%

Specialized Auto Repair/Restorer

Restoration and repair of sports cars. Parts, repairs, restoration, sales. 5 1-2 Leased

Indep-endent 26%

Full Auto Repair Garage

Maintenance and repair of all cars. All mechanical services. 1 5 Leased

Indep-endent 85%

Auto Parts Supplier

Automotive parts supply-- retail and wholesale. No repairs. 20 9 Leased Chain 40%

Canine Daycare

Houses dogs in daytime hours with inside and fenced outdoor area. < 1 2 Leased

Indep-endent 33%

Commercial Drycleaner

Wet and dry cleaning, mostly for hospitality industry. 4 50 Leased

Indep-endent 15%

Industrial Tool Rental Shop and Bridgelift Specialists

Service rentals, hydraulic lift sales, fabrication and machine design. 29 8 Leased

Indep-endent 40%

Categorized Performance Based On Site ReviewsBusiness Description

Business Type On-site Activities

AwarenessStormwater

ManagementHazardous Waste

Management

Tota

l Site

Rev

iew

Sco

re (%

)

Leng

th o

f Tim

e at

Cur

rent

A

ddre

ss (y

ears

)

Num

ber o

f Em

ploy

ees

Prop

erty

Ow

ned

or L

ease

d?

Inde

pend

ent B

usin

ess

or

Mem

ber o

f a C

hain

?

= Fully met requirements of category

= Not Applicable

Results


3.2.1 Awareness

BIEAP asked business contacts to define stormwater, explain the storm drain system on

their property, and describe what can and cannot go down the storm drain. BIEAP found that

awareness of storm drains locations, destinations, drain maintenance, and implications of sewer

separation was extremely low among all business contacts. Equally, businesses had no formal

mechanism for educating staff as to the storm drain systems on their property. Overall, BIEAP

gained the impression that storm drains and stormwater management are subjects rarely

addressed or discussed by the business contacts unless problems arise (e.g. overflowing drains).

3.2.2 Stormwater Management

During site visits, BIEAP took note of workplace practices and workplace infrastructure

that could influence quality of stormwater entering storm drains. Several businesses undertook

routine practices outdoors that contribute to stormwater pollution such as pre‐washing vehicles

or rinsing parking areas and loading docks. No infrastructure beyond storm drain sumps were

present at any business to help remove stormwater contaminants. Only one business regularly

monitored and cleaned their storm sump.

3.2.3 Hazardous Materials

All businesses visited were well aware of the need to store and transport hazardous

materials safely, and all businesses producing hazardous wastes used a certified contractor to

pick up wastes for proper disposal. However, only one business had sufficient materials

available on‐site to address the volume of hazardous materials that could potentially spill on

their property. Similarly, no business had a formal spill response plan or emergency phone

numbers posted for staff.

3.2.4 Waste Disposal and Housekeeping

Most businesses kept outdoor dumpsters clean and leak free, though several businesses

stored additional materials outside their shops that, when left uncovered, contribute to

stormwater runoff pollution. Those with limited indoor space used their outdoor areas more

intensively for waste storage and disposal. Several businesses’ cleaning practices inadvertently

contributed to stormwater pollution, including rinsing of concrete areas with a hose or draining

Results


containers of old materials over storm drains. Further, some businesses discussed being less

concerned about stormwater pollution when using “biodegradable” or “environmentally

friendly” products. Though the use of such products may be improvements over the alternatives

available, biodegradable soaps and detergents carry harmful pollutants and cause oxygen

depletion in receiving water bodies and should never enter storm drains.

3.2.5 Observations of Businesses Not Visited

By spending time in South East False Creek and repeatedly travelling between visited

businesses, BIEAP made ongoing observations of the project area. BIEAP found that a number of

businesses consistently cleaned equipment or vehicles outdoors with a powerwasher, or

cleaned their work area daily with a hose. Further, certain businesses showed signs of dumping

outside their businesses, while others maintained untidy waste storage spaces outside.

Additionally, several large and well‐established businesses had spacious storage areas that held

poorly contained new product or poorly stored wastes that were exposed to rainwater and at

risk of spillage in the event of an accident.

3.3 Results of Second Site Visit

BIEAP revisited businesses that participated in the site review process and received

outreach materials. The objective of the second visit was to evaluate whether businesses made

any changes as a result of BIEAP’s outreach activities. Further, BIEAP hoped to engage business

representatives in conversation to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses of the BIEAP outreach

approach. Results from the second site visit were combined with results from the initial site

reviews to develop recommendations for formulating an effective stormwater outreach

program (see section 4.0).

3.3.1 Observed/Reported Changes

Revisiting businesses revealed that BIEAP’s outreach efforts resulted most prominently in

increased awareness of stormwater drainage systems on business property (denoted by black

circles in Table 2). Several business contacts expressed that information regarding the

implications of sewer separation was never distributed to their business. Most expressed that

ensuring only clean water enters storm drains is common sense, but admitted to rarely

considering their stormwater BMPs or the condition of their storm drains. Business contacts

Results


expressed that reminders and refreshers by outreach representatives are valuable to ensure

their businesses are instituting and maintaining best practices over time. Nevertheless, beyond

posting posters from BIEAP, no business contact instituted any system to ensure staff members

are well educated as to the importance of storm drain pollution prevention.

Despite increased awareness being evident during second site visits, few physical changes

were made at target businesses. One business worked to find and re‐stock their spills kit, while

several others made small changes in practices that partially addressed recommendations from

BIEAP (denoted by empty circles in Table 2). Two business contacts expressed that they were

considering additional suggested changes but had not yet followed through, while conversations

with at least three other contacts revealed the businesses had no intent to adopt the BIEAP

recommendations.

Results


Table 2: Results of Initial and Follow‐Up Business Visits

Waste Disposal and House-keeping

Dra

ins

Legi

slat

ion

Sew

er

Sepa

ratio

n

Staf

f

Infra

stru

ctur

e

Prac

tices

Stor

age

and

Han

dlin

g

Dis

posa

l

Spill

Res

pons

e

Gen

eral

Autobody Repair Shop

Auto body repair and painting. No mechanical work. 10 7 Owned

Indep-endent 52%

Specialized Auto Repair/Restorer

Restoration and repair of sports cars. Parts, repairs, restoration, sales. 5 1-2 Leased

Indep-endent 26%

Full Auto Repair Garage

Maintenance and repair of all cars. All mechanical services. 1 5 Leased

Indep-endent 85%

Auto Parts Supplier

Automotive parts supply-- retail and wholesale. No repairs. 20 9 Leased Chain 40%

Canine Daycare*

Houses dogs in daytime hours with inside and fenced outdoor area. < 1 2 Leased

Indep-endent 33%

Commercial Drycleaner

Wet and dry cleaning, mostly for hospitality industry. 4 50 Leased

Indep-endent 15%

Industrial Tool Rental Shop and Bridgelift Specialists

Service rentals, hydraulic lift sales, fabrication and machine design. 29 8 Leased

Indep-endent 40%

Tota

l Site

Rev

iew

Sco

re (%

)

Leng

th o

f Tim

e at

Cur

rent

A

ddre

ss (y

ears

)

Num

ber o

f Em

ploy

ees

Prop

erty

Ow

ned

or L

ease

d?

Inde

pend

ent B

usin

ess

or

Mem

ber o

f a C

hain

?

Categorized Performance Based On Site ReviewsBusiness Description

Business Type On-site Activities

AwarenessStormwater

ManagementHazardous Waste

Management

* Received all outreach materials except a BMP poster = Fully met requirements of category at first site visit = Met requirements at second site visit = Not Applicable = = Partially met requirements at second site visit

Results


3.3.2 Reaction to Educational Materials

During second site visits, BIEAP asked businesses for feedback on the various outreach

materials provided during the site visits. In general, businesses felt the materials all served as

good reminders, though only three business representatives gave the impression they had

carefully considered all of the materials given by BIEAP. During visits, only one business had the

letter or information package directly on hand, though several could refer to it in some detail.

For the four auto‐sector businesses who received City of Vancouver Automotive Sales and

Servicing Operations bulletins with their letters, each expressed they had not seen the bulletin

before and found it informative and important. All seven businesses expressed that email is the

best medium to deliver environmental information in the future, as long as the email is clearly

labeled and distinguishable from advertisements.

BMP Posters

BIEAP staff asked for detailed feedback on the BMP posters distributed to businesses in

efforts to ensure the poster is as effective as possible. Four of the six businesses provided with a

poster mounted the poster in areas often frequented by staff. One business representative

overseeing multiple staff in a fast‐paced environment stated he did not believe his staff read the

poster, while the remaining businesses thought the poster earned the attention of staff

members.

All businesses suggested the poster should be larger, and several reflected the headings

should be more eye‐catching and the text larger for easier reading. Nevertheless, the current

size of the poster is most convenient for printing, transporting, and distributing. Several

businesses commented on the attractive colour and design of the posters and the effectiveness

of the graphics. Business representatives felt the message of the posters was generally clear.

One business representative suggested the posters were too “simple” or “cartoonized” to be

considered seriously in an industrial environment.

3.3.3 Reported Barriers to Making Changes

BIEAP concluded follow‐up site visits by asking what the largest barriers were for their

own business and for similar businesses in their sectors to make environmentally responsible

choices and adopting stormwater Best Management Practices. The most common barriers

Results


identified were lack of knowledge and education regarding how to be environmentally

responsible and lack of understanding of how storm drainage systems function. Once properly

informed, businesses suggested inertia, or the tendency to maintain “businesses as usual” is the

largest barrier to making change. Businesses expressed that presently, no incentives exist for

businesses to be more environmentally responsible and no enforcement is visible for businesses

who choose to pollute, therefore discouraging concerted effort to improve environmental

conditions. Businesses felt a full pollution prevention program targeting light industry and small

business is necessary and should be mandatory for all businesses to ensure all establishments of

various cultural backgrounds, sizes, ages, and locations are reached by outreach and

enforcement efforts.

3.4 Summary of Results

To continue to work towards the BIEAP objective of eliminating non‐point source

pollution in Burrard Inlet, BIEAP has engaged with small businesses to pilot and evaluate one

approach to promoting adoption of Best Management Practices for reduction of stormwater

pollution in Vancouver. Results primarily illustrate that few businesses are aware of the threat of

stormwater pollution or their business’ role in preventing pollutants from entering storm drains.

Further, businesses in Vancouver have little understanding of the process and consequences of

combined sewer separation. For those who are aware of non point source pollution originating

at their business, few choose to take action to directly address the problem.

Evaluating the BIEAP outreach approach suggested the targeted business visits are

effective in increasing stormwater awareness at the workplace but are generally ineffective at

promoting tangible changes in businesses to meet the requirements of Best Management

Practices. Businesses will most likely continue polluting practices without ongoing outreach

efforts combined with incentives and enforcement to encourage change.

Recommendations


4 Recommendations

4.1 The Need for a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program

BIEAP’s work suggests an outreach program is necessary for municipalities surrounding

Burrard Inlet, most notably in areas with separate sewers or undergoing sewer separation. A

well‐designed, targeted outreach program will help address the gaps in awareness witnessed by

BIEAP and begin to promote behaviour changes amongst businesses with high potential for

pollution generation. Synchronizing the awareness campaign with incentives and enforcement

will enhance results. Launching a program that will reach a large proportion of businesses and

will be offered over an extended timeline will be one essential component for reducing the

ongoing threat of aquatic pollution in Burrard Inlet.

4.1.1 A Stormwater Program for Vancouver

Discussions with City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver departments highlighted areas

where a stormwater outreach program could compliment existing services and address gaps in

current initiatives. Most notably in the City of Vancouver, the Sewer Separation Team works

with property owners to encourage separation of private drains during the public works

separation process. In conjunction, the Environmental Protection Branch reviews plans prior to

issuing business and occupancy licenses and responds to reports of pollution or spills. However,

the City of Vancouver currently provides no education or support to businesses and industries

following the sewer separation process, nor reviews the environmental performance of most

businesses barring complaints. Further, not all new businesses receive site visits from the

Environmental Protection Branch to discuss their operations. Likewise, business and industry are

not targeted by stormwater outreach programs offered by Metro Vancouver. Results

documented in this study suggest that the current system leaves business owners with little

understanding of their own infrastructure and with little awareness as to how their actions

contribute to aquatic pollution.

Opportunities exist to incorporate elements of stormwater pollution prevention

information into current programs. Actions such as distributing stormwater BMPs with all

commercial business licenses and providing posters to operating businesses could be

implemented quickly. Resources could also be developed to ensure follow‐up education is

Recommendations


provided to businesses in areas where sewer separation has occurred, ideally in the form of in‐

person business visits. Over the longer term, allocation of resources for developing a

stormwater pollution prevention program as part of the Environmental Protection Branch at the

City of Vancouver would help provide a comprehensive source of information and outreach for

stormwater pollution prevention throughout the City (see section 4.2 for recommended

elements of a stormwater pollution prevention program). Additionally, sequestering resources

for officers to enforce the Sewer Use Bylaw regularly throughout the City would greatly increase

awareness regarding the importance of stormwater pollution prevention among businesses and

help address chronic polluting practices.

To increase outreach activities, Vancouver may also want to consider integrating

stormwater pollution prevention information into programs such as the “Greenest City”

initiative’s Green programs and broaden their storm drain marking program to incorporate

elements of education for businesses and storm drains on private business properties.

Additionally, existing Metro Vancouver programs could compliment City of Vancouver

initiatives. Metro Vancouver’s Business Services Division could ensure business audits that occur

as a part of the “Smart Steps” program incorporate stormwater BMPs, while promoting

structural BMPs. Source control guidelines outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Stormwater Best

Management Practices Guide could also be incorporated into the region’s “BuildSmart”

program. Further, outreach and enforcement opportunities could be explored and supported

through the Metro Vancouver Stormwater Interagency Liaison Group (SILG). Finally, synergies

could be built between BIEAP agencies and the non‐profit sector already conducting outreach

and educational activities such as the “Stream of Dreams” elementary education program.

4.2 Recommendations for Designing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Program

Beyond the borders of the City of Vancouver, stormwater pollution poses challenges to all

municipalities. Generalizing results from the pilot project highlight opportunities to design

effective outreach programs that could be implemented across various municipalities. The

following is a list of recommendations stemming from the pilot project that may help to guide

outreach program design.

Recommendations


Implement Program at Municipal Level

Housing a stormwater outreach program for businesses within existing municipal

departments may be the most effective route to encourage adoption of BMPs. Implementing a

program within or closely linked with the departments who issue business licenses, enforce

environmental bylaws, and have the resources and information on past, present, and future

operations at the properties implicated allows for the outreach to be efficient and carry

additional weight with business owners. For instance, this pilot project would have been far

more efficient with full access to City of Vancouver records and a clearer understanding of how

the City departments function. Further, business owners may have been more inclined to

engage in the program initially and make suggested changes had they immediately associated

the visiting outreach authorities with City regulators.

Scope Efforts

To ensure resources for a stormwater pollution prevention program are efficiently

allocated, scoping outreach and enforcement efforts to match pollution potential is important.

Undertaking a targeted approach with multiple site visits as was done for this pilot project was

extremely time consuming and may not be necessary for all businesses. For instance, many

businesses observed in South East False Creek may only partake in one action that causes

pollution, such as having uncovered dumpsters or disposing one type of chemical unsafely. For

such businesses, a short explanatory visit by an outreach team or a warning from an

enforcement officer may be sufficient to improve conditions. However, for larger, older, or

higher risk businesses, an ongoing relationship with outreach officers may be required to

support a business to adopt stormwater BMPs over the long term. A stormwater pollution

prevention program must therefore be sufficiently flexible to match the needs of each business

and business type efficiently.

Target Efforts

Visiting multiple business types suggested that each sector may be facing their own

unique set of challenges when considering stormwater pollution prevention. Additionally, BIEAP

found that while generic information on stormwater was not thoroughly considered by business

contacts, information specifically pertinent to their own business sector and property generated

much higher interest and engagement. Though more time and resource intensive, ensuring

Recommendations


outreach efforts and materials are specifically catered to the business which is receiving the

materials will increase interest and compliance.

Focus on Awareness First

As indicated by the results of this project, any stormwater pollution prevention

campaign targeting business will need to begin with an aggressive awareness raising

component. Broadcast methods such as poster and pamphlet distribution should be combined

with a more targeted approach for businesses and industries with a high potential for producing

non point source pollution. A targeted approach should include personal site visits from the

agency administering the campaign. Agency representatives may have to work collaboratively

with some larger businesses and polluters over an extended period of time to ensure awareness

is built and remains high among business managers and staff. For those businesses with high

staff turnover, ensuring managers have a strong understanding of stormwater management and

ensuring a formal process for informing new staff of BMPs will be necessary.

Use Existing Distribution Networks

To facilitate the distribution of materials in an outreach campaign, coordinating with

existing programs (see section 4.1.1 for program ideas in Vancouver) and using already

established networks will increase effectiveness. For example, attaching BMPs to business

licenses and enforcing that the BMPs constitute “due diligence” on the part of the businesses

may be an effective method to distribute information and encourage compliance. More

informally, attaching pamphlets to invoices from businesses who sell parts and materials to

others would greatly increase the extent of an outreach and awareness campaign with minimal

time and effort. Project participants expressed that at a minimum, pamphlets with emergency

spill response phone numbers and information on proper disposal of materials would be

beneficial to distribute to all businesses purchasing hazardous products. Placing materials and

posters on front counters of specific businesses who support a large and local customer base

will also help increase awareness among a larger portion of the population that can be visited by

an outreach team.

Combine with Enforcement

Though businesses participating in BIEAP’s pilot project expressed enthusiasm at

voluntarily partaking in stormwater pollution prevention programs, the low participation rate,

Recommendations


the limited changes in behaviour observed, and the high rate of polluting practices observed at

non‐participating businesses suggest outreach activities delivered in isolation will only be

effective for a small portion of the business population. As expressed by participating business

representatives, the threat of penalty through enforcement of regulations greatly increases

behaviour change. For outreach teams, having the option to alert enforcement officers of

serious infractions and having the authority to confidently advise businesses about the

possibility of enforcement will help motivate behaviour change in target businesses.

Recognize Businesses’ Efforts

Several businesses visited by BIEAP suggested that motivation for adopting BMPs at

their businesses would be heightened if instruments existed to recognize their efforts. For

example, as a part of an outreach program, recognition through official certification by the City

for businesses to display and use as a promotional tool with their customers could be valuable.

Alternatively, eligibility for a municipal green business awards program could be an option. At

minimum, allowing businesses to advertize that they partook in the City of Vancouver

stormwater management program may help recognize businesses’ efforts and motivate other to

consider participating.

Provide Strategies

In addition to promoting awareness, offering and promoting easy, cost effective solutions

for businesses will be essential to ensuring businesses alter behaviour to protect stormwater.

Results show that no business took proactive behaviour changes that cost money or required

any significant investment of time. To expect adoption of BMPs, outreach officers must be able

to provide very straightforward and efficient strategies to allow businesses to improve their

stormwater management. Barring easy solutions, suggested strategies will have to be combined

with incentive and enforcement to encourage behaviour change.

Offer Support

Few businesses demonstrated proactive behaviour to research, learn, or invest in

stormwater BMPs. For increased understanding and behaviour change, outreach programs will

have to provide technical information, answer questions from businesses on an ongoing basis,

and perhaps provide some free trial materials to promote changing of practices. Further, to ask

for large changes or engage in longer term investments for better stormwater management, a

Recommendations


pollution prevention program may want to offer financial support, especially for businesses that

require infrastructural upgrades.

4.3 Ongoing Challenges

Those creating a stormwater pollution prevention outreach program may want to consider

additional challenges identified by BIEAP but outside the scope of the pilot project. Ongoing

challenges for administering an effective stormwater pollution prevention campaign and

witnessing improved outcomes of outreach efforts may include:

• Reaching mobile operators such as powerwashers, carpet cleaners, and janitors with

outreach and enforcement

• Ensuring businesses reluctant to engage in outreach are still complying with stormwater

regulations

• Supplying information to businesses who are owned by or who employ people who speak

English as a second language. The outreach approach may have to be altered entirely to gain

interest from such businesses, while outreach materials may have to be translated to be

understood and to ensure they are culturally appropriate.

• Ensuring construction contractors who operate on multiple projects at multiple locations are

consistently considering stormwater pollution prevention at their worksites

• Addressing stormwater pollution originating from public property including roads, parkades,

and surface lots, and maintaining the infrastructure to help address pollution challenges in

such locations (e.g. ongoing maintenance of storm sumps or oil‐ water separators)

• Altering the general perception that “biodegradable” or “environmentally friendly” products

can enter drains, and generally ensuring better labeling of products to reflect their true

toxicity for water bodies

• Asking businesses who are limited by their infrastructure to improve stormwater practices

with limited funds

• Maintaining an effective outreach program over time that has a consistent presence in high

risk areas and has the ability to follow‐up and engage in longer‐term processes with some

businesses

Recommendations


4.4 First Steps

Developing and establishing an effective stormwater pollution prevention program will be

a long term process and investment. However, as evidenced in this pilot project, action is

needed to encourage businesses to responsibly address stormwater pollution for water quality

improvement. As outreach initiatives are built, small, cost effective initial steps can be made.

Some simple first steps towards developing an outreach program that can immediately build on

the work of this pilot project could include:

• Hosting an interagency discussion of where an outreach program could be housed, funded,

and supported

• Integrating stormwater outreach material into existing outreach programs administered by

the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver such as water conservation programs, the

“Greenest City” programs, and “SmartSteps”

• Finalizing BIEAP BMP posters and expanding the number of business types addressed by

BIEAP posters

• Developing a system for municipalities and agencies to tailor the posters to be pertinent to

their own agencies and jurisdictions

• Developing a small‐format outreach material (such as pamphlet) that could be distributed

practically with business licenses, invoices, or through the mail

• Distributing emergency phone numbers, spill response actions, and proper material disposal

practices information to high risk businesses immediately

• Identifying high risk target areas and business types for outreach program efforts

4.5 Project Limitations

Interpreting results of this pilot project requires recognition of the project limitations. The

most pertinent project limitation is the small sample size of businesses participating. Drawing

general conclusions from such a small sample size are difficult. Nevertheless, the diversity of

business types, sizes, and ages studied provided a broad variety of experiences and viewpoints

and gave BIEAP a good impression of the issues facing businesses asked to adopt Best

Management Practices. Given the short time period of the pilot project, businesses also had

Recommendations


limited time to make substantial changes on site. Equally, BIEAP had little opportunity to

monitor the effects of their site visits over the long term. All businesses were also volunteers for

the project, perhaps leading to more positive results in the form of enthusiasm and willingness

to learn about and engage in stormwater protection.

Further limitations stem from project design. Most notably, the site review form was

designed to be generally pertinent to all business types, but as a consequence may not have

captured nuances specific to different sectors. BIEAP found the site review form to be most

effective for auto repair and body shop operations, but contained a number of questions which

were not pertinent to operations such as dry cleaning. Similarly, the BIEAP student undertaking

business visits was required to be generally knowledgeable about a variety of businesses, but

was not an expert in the operations of any one business type. Therefore, details of business

operations, and identification of opportunities for BMP adoption were limited at times by the

student’s knowledge. Finally, the BIEAP student was required to subjectively interpret some

results of the project for purposes of reporting true actions of businesses (rather than reported

actions), to generalize findings for presentation, and to communicate findings within this report.

Conclusions


5 Conclusions

Establishing a system to address non point source pollution from municipalities

surrounding Burrard Inlet will be essential to improving water quality in the region. Results of

BIEAP’s stormwater pollution prevention pilot project suggest that in order to control pollution

originating from commercial operations, authorities must first address a gap in knowledge and

awareness regarding the importance of responsible stormwater management among

businesses. Reaching businesses in areas with newly separated sewers should be a priority.

Following, authorities will have to combine ongoing outreach efforts with enforcement to

ensure businesses adopt Best Management Practices rather than continue, “business as usual”

scenarios.

BIEAP partner agencies can begin outreach efforts through distribution of outreach

materials and incorporation of stormwater educational information into existing outreach

programs. Concurrently, agencies need to collaborate to identify where a permanent

stormwater pollution prevention outreach program could be implemented, and how the

program will work in conjunction with enforcement efforts to encourage ongoing adoption of

Best Management Practices among small businesses. Developing permanent and visible

stormwater pollution prevention programs with municipalities of Metro Vancouver will address

the existing gap in stormwater outreach and enforcement services while helping municipalities

meet mandates to increase their environmental responsibility. Most importantly, creating and

implementing an effective stormwater outreach program will contribute to the ongoing health

of Burrard Inlet, one of Metro Vancouver’s most ecologically, socially, and economically

important waterways.

Appendices


Appendices

Appendices


Appendix 1: Map of Study Area

Columbia OutfallColumbia Outfall

Appendices


Appendix 2: Introductory Letter for Participant Businesses

Appendices


Appendix 3: Information Sheet for Introductory Package

Appendices


Appendix 4: Resource Sheets for Introductory Package

Appendices


Appendices


Appendix 5: Site Review Form

Appendices


Appendices


Appendix 6: Generic Example of a Targeted Letter

Appendices


Appendices


Appendix 7: Example of BIEAP BMP Poster

Appendices


Appendix 8: Follow‐Up Site Visit Questionnaire

Appendices


who knows where the stormwater goes? · geographically, bieap directs management of the area...

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