Municipalities generate many of the same wastes as businesses. They need to help protect the environment by properly managing those wastes and by reducing or eliminating them where possible. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) is available to help municipal departments understand and comply with New Hampshire environmental rules and regulations and examine pollution prevention opportunities.

Common Violations Found at Municipal Departments
NHPPP has observed a variety of issues at municipal departments that can have significant detrimental impacts on the environment. These issues, and the correct management procedures are given below.

Used Oil
Storage containers and tanks must be clearly labeled "Used Oil For Recycle" and must be closed at all times except when oil is being added to or removed from the container or tank.

Universal Wastes
Universal wastes must be stored and managed according to the Universal Waste Rules. "Universal wastes" are a special group of hazardous wastes that are generated by all segments of the population and, unfortunately, often improperly disposed by the people who generate them. Fluorescent lamps and used antifreeze are among those items that are considered universal wastes, and have resulted in violations.

Floor Drains
Improperly connected floor drains can be remedied by one of the following options:

A.) Permanently seal the floor drain, B.) connect the floor drain to the municipal sanitary sewer in accordance with DES and local regulations, C.) connect the floor drain to a registered holding tank, or D.) obtain a groundwater discharge permit.

More information can be found by visiting these fact sheets: WD WSEB22-8, WD WSEB22-9.

Emergency Response Information
Emergency numbers (emergency coordinator, police department, fire department, DES) must be posted near an easily accessible telephone, and spill kits must be located near hazardous wastes. If the facility has a spill, prevention and control countermeasure (SPCC) plan, it must also be easily accessed. We recommend appointing a safety officer, preparing a safety manual, and providing safety training for employees.

Hazardous Waste
All containers of hazardous waste must be closed, labeled and dated correctly. All persons who handle hazardous waste must be properly trained in safety procedures. The complete list of proper management of hazardous waste can be found by visiting the Hazardous Waste Rules.

Other Municipal Information

Storm Water
The Phase II program regulates two classes of storm water dischargers, including operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas. For additional information, including all Phase II Final Rule requirements, visit the EPA web site at www.epa.gov/owm/sw/phase2, or contact Jack Healy, EPA Region 1, at (617) 918-1844. The DES fact sheet Federal Storm Water Permits provides information on Phase I and II permits, and how to apply for a permit. For a copying cost fee, the DES public information and permitting office (603) 271-2975 has copies of Notice of Intent (NOIs), No Exposure Certificates (NECs), guidance documents n preparing SWPPPs and how to sample storm water. Thelma Murphy is the state storm water coordinator and may be reached at (603) 271-2984.

Road Salt
Salt storage facilities can have a greater potential for causing water pollution than roadway application. For maximum environmental protection, salt storage facilities should be roofed and paved, with adequate drainage controls to prevent runoff water from contacting salt. For more information, please read the Road Salt and Water Quality fact sheet.

Vehicle Washing
Water used in washing cars, trucks, and other vehicles may contain a wide range of contaminants --especially oil, other hydrocarbons, metals, detergents, road salt, and grit. Discharged into surface waters, these contaminants can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.

For more information, please go to the fact sheet on Wastewater Discharges From Vehicle Washing