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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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 1
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 2
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 1
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 2
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 3
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 4
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 5
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 6
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 7
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 8
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 9
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 10
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 11
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 12
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 13
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 14
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 15
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 16
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 17
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 18
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 19
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 20
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 21
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 22
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 23
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 24
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 25
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 26
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 27
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 28
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 29
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 30
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
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 32
Appendix 1: Map of Study Area
Columbia OutfallColumbia Outfall
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 33
Appendix 2: Introductory Letter for Participant Businesses
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 34
Appendix 3: Information Sheet for Introductory Package
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 35
Appendix 4: Resource Sheets for Introductory Package
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 42
Appendix 6: Generic Example of a Targeted Letter
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 46
Appendix 7: Example of BIEAP BMP Poster
Appendices
BIEAP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Pilot Project 47
Appendix 8: Follow‐Up Site Visit Questionnaire