All Car-Washing Activities Should Follow These Best Management Practices:
• Wash your car directly over your lawn or make sure the wash-water drains to a vegetated area. This allows the wash water to soak into the ground instead of running off into a local body of water.
• Ideally, no soaps or detergents should be used, but if you do use one, select one without phosphates.
• Sweep driveways and street gutters before washing your vehicle to remove dirt, leaves, trash and other materials that may flow into the storm drain along with your wash-water. This helps reduce storm drain maintenance costs as well as protect water quality.
• Never wash the motor or the under-hood area of your vehicle and allow that wastewater to drain into the storm-sewer system.
• Commercial products are available that allow you to clean a vehicle without water. These were developed for areas where water is scarce, so a water-saving benefit is realized, as well as reduced pollution.
• If unused car-cleaning chemicals are leftover disposing of them correctly is imperative. It is against the law to dispose of chemicals down the storm sewer system. To dispose of unused chemicals correctly (from non-business generated waste only) please call 918-596-2100 to schedule a free appointment to drop off chemicals at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility. For a list of businesses that take unwanted commercial chemicals, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery.

Pollution - Storm - Title 11-A, Chapter 5

Sewer Use - Sanitary - Title 11-C, Chapter 12

Washing Options
You must choose one of the two following wash options. Option 1 is preferred.
Option 1 – Capture All Wash Waters
• This option must be used if chemicals and/or heated water will be used at any time during the cleaning process.
• During cleaning, capture all wash waters for disposal by using vacuum pumps, booms/berms, portable containment areas, weighted storm-drain covers, inflatable plumber’s plugs, oil/water separators, holding tanks, portable sump pumps, hoses, and/or
absorbents.
• Wash waters may be disposed into the sanitary sewer at the location the wash waters are generated or off site in an environmentally acceptable manner. At no time can the wash waters be discharged into the storm sewer system.
• Remove and then dispose of any grit or sludge material in the trash. DO NOT dispose of this material into the sanitary sewer, as it is unlawful per City of Tulsa Title 11-C chapter 12.
• Use only chemicals that will not result in a violation of Title 11-C chapter 12, or choose less toxic cleaning products.
Option 2 – Do Not Capture Wash Waters
• If you choose this option, chemicals and/or heated water cannot be used at any time during the cleaning process.
• Employ Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as chemical or hydrocarbon absorbents, filters, screens, or any practice that will remove pollutants from the wash waters.
• Wash waters must filter through the absorbents before entering the storm sewer. When washing pavement, place the appropriate BMPs (hydrocarbon absorbents pads, filters, screens or booms) at the point where the water leaves the wash area or property or at the storm sewer inlet (if possible). This will remove pollutants, which otherwise would have been discharged to the storm sewer. This could be at the storm sewer drop boxes, inlets, parking lot entrances/exits, etc.
• Keep BMPs in place until you finish all washing activities and all wash waters have been processed. After Washing Throw used absorbent material and sediment into a trash container, which is covered and does not leak.

Common Violations Include:
a) Using chemicals and/or heated water during the cleaning process, but failing to collect and properly dispose of the wash waters (wastewater). This includes allowing the wash waters to sit and evaporate.
b) Failing to use BMPs during the implementation of Option 2 because the wash water (wastewater) appeared “clean”.

Streets & Stormwater Department
4502 S. Galveston Ave., Tulsa, OK 74107
(918) 591-4325 | www.cityoftulsa.org/sos
021424
• All discharges to a City of Tulsa sewer system, must comply with the applicable requirements set forth in the City of Tulsa’s code of
revised ordinances.

The specific ordinances pertaining to discharges to the storm and sanitary sewers are listed in the following table:

Storm - Title 11-A, Chapter 5

Sanitary - Title 11-C, Chapter 12

Litter is a major problem throughout the City of Tulsa. Not only is it unattractive, but when litter enters storm drains it can cause flooding problems and be detrimental to water quality. The City of Tulsa’s Stormwater Quality section is dedicated to monitoring the stormwater quality within the City and taking enforcement action to help protect It. Stormwater Quality employees can issue Notices of Violation with fines of up to $1,000 to anyone who does not comply with the City of Tulsa’s Pollution Ordinance.

Disposal of Anything Other than Stormwater into the Storm Sewer System is Unlawful in the
City of Tulsa.

Trap your Trash
• Secure dumpsters and shipping containers. Make sure your trash can’t be blown or washed off your property.
• Walk your property and clean up loose trash along fences or in storm drains, especially before a rain event and before power washing!
• This will help prevent flooding and keep your property looking its best.
Help your Guests
• Provide conveniently located trash and recycling bins throughout your property to encourage proper waste disposal.
• Be sure receptacles are emptied frequently

General Landscaping
• Protect stockpiles of dirt and other materials from wind and rain by storing them under traps or secured plastic sheeting.

• Schedule grading and excavation projects for dry weather.

• Prevent erosion by planting fast-growing annual and perennial plants and grasses to help shield and bind the soil.

Garden and Lawn Maintenance• Do not over-water. Conserve water by using irrigation practices such as drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or microspray systems.

• Do not blow or rake leaves into the street, gutter, or storm drains and use mulching mowers.

• Use organic or non-toxic fertilizers.

• Do not apply lawn chemicals (including pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers) near ditches, streams, or other bodies of water.

• Follow directions on the container and do not over apply lawn chemicals. Over application can result in contaminated runoff which may damage nearby waterbodies.

• If unused landscaping chemicals are leftover disposing of them correctly is imperative. It is against the law to dispose of chemicals down the storm sewer system. To dispose of unused chemicals correctly (from nonbusiness generated waste only) please call (918) 596- 2100 to schedule a free appointment to drop off chemicals at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility. For a list of businesses that take unwanted commercial chemicals, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery.

• If a spill of lawn chemicals does occur, work to contain the spill preventing it from reaching the storm drain. This can be done by using kitty litter or other absorbent materials to soak up the spill. When the spill has been absorbed or contained dispose of the soaked materials in the proper receptacle.

• Store pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in a covered area to prevent runoff.

• Use City of Tulsa curbside services for lawn waste or take it to the City of Tulsa’s Greenwaste Site – open seven days a week, 2100 N. 145th E. Ave. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tulsa’s soils generally do not need Phosphorus or Potassium. Any excess fertilizer applied will wash into local waterways. Contact the Tulsa Master Gardeners at (918) 746-3701 or in person at 4116 E. 15th St. to have a soil test conducted or to receive advice on pesticide and fertilizer application.

Disposal Options for Chlorine Pools/Hot Tubs:

Option 1 – Disposal into the Sanitary-Sewer System
The best option is to pump chlorinated pool and hot tub water into the sanitary sewer system under the following circumstances:
1. Discontinue adding chlorine and other chemicals. Turn off the heater if equipped, at least 72 hours prior to the disposal of chlorinated pool and hot tub water.
2. Make sure any remaining chemicals will not result in a violation of the City Ordinance Title 11-C Chapter 12.
3. It is best to discharge pool and hot tub water only during dry weather conditions and at a slow pump rate as to not cause an overflow of the sanitary sewer system. Discharges of a high rate can cause sanitary sewer overflows which contaminate local waterways and can result in enforcement action.
4. If you have any questions about the above procedures, please call the Stormwater and Land Management desk at (918) 591-4325.

Option 2 – Disposal onto Property
Water from chlorinated pools and hot tubs may be disposed of on your lawn or used to water your property under the following circumstances:
1. Discontinue adding chlorine and other chemicals and turn off the heater at least 72 hours prior to disposal or draining the water on to your property.
2. Wait until the chlorine levels are not measurable and pH is near 7. Note: waiting time depends on the initial chlorine levels but can usually be sufficiently reduced within 72 hours.
3. Be aware that any remaining algaecides, disinfectants or pH control chemicals may have a long-term effect on the plants and soil on your property. So, check with a professional to make sure you do not unintentionally kill a favorite plant.
4. Dispose of water or irrigate in a manner which will prevent nuisance conditions such as stagnated pools which cause odors and attract flies and mosquitoes. A note about chloramines: Chloramine, a disinfectant product added to the City of Tulsa’s potable water supply, is toxic to some aquatic life. It is more stable than chlorine and will not readily dissipate by sitting or aerating. For more information, visit: www.tulsawater.com

Disposal Options for Salt-Water Pools:

Option 1 – Disposal into the Sanitary-Sewer System
Do not pump salt water directly into storm sewers, streets, creeks or ponds. Follow the previous steps for chlorine pools for disposing to the sanitary sewer system.

Option 2– Disposal onto Property
Water from salt water pools and hot tubs may be disposed on your lawn or used to water your property under the following circumstances:
• Check with the Tulsa County OSU Cooperative Extension at (918) 746-3700 or a reputable lawn-care professional or pool professional to learn how to avoid any long-term damaging effects it will have on plants and soils that will be exposed to the water.
• Discontinue adding salt and other chemicals at least a week prior to disposal.
• Make sure your heating system is turned off to allow the water to reach normal outdoor temperatures.
• Make sure the pH is near 7.
• Dispose of water or irrigate in a manner which will prevent nuisance conditions such as stagnated pools that can cause odors and attract flies and mosquitoes.
• If unused pool chemicals are leftover disposing of them correctly is imperative. It is against the law to dispose of chemicals down the storm sewer system. To dispose of unused chemicals correctly (from non-business generated waste only) please call 918-596- 2100 to schedule a free appointment to drop off chemicals at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility. For a list of businesses that take unwanted commercial chemicals, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery.

Storm - Pollution -  Title 11-A, Chapter 5

Sanitary - Sewer Use - Title 11-C, Chapter 12

The waste water generated from cleaning carpets, floors and furniture must be discharged into Tulsa’s sanitary sewer system for treatment at a waste water treatment plant.

Do’s:
• The waste water must be collected/contained.
• Discharge waste water to sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer system.
• Vacuum before cleaning to remove particulate and debris that may clog pipes when discharged. Before disposing of wastewater, further filter it to remove carpet fibers and other solids in order to prevent pipe clogs.
• Train employees (if applicable) on appropriate carpet cleaning BMPs, as well as spill prevention and clean-up procedures.

Don’ts:
• Do not dump wash water or any chemicals into the storm sewer system.
• Process waste water should never be allowed to flow onto driveways, the street, or lawns.
• Do not dump into any City of Tulsa manholes.

Disposal of Carpet Cleaning Chemicals:
If unused cleaning chemicals are leftover disposing of them correctly is imperative. It is against the law to dispose of chemicals down the storm sewer system. To dispose of unused chemicals correctly (from non-business generated waste only) please call 918-596-2100 to schedule a free appointment to drop off chemicals at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility. For a list of businesses that take unwanted commercial chemicals visit the City’s website www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery.

We strive to keep our city clean and pollution free. Help do your part: don’t pour used motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers or other pollutants down the storm drainage system. Storm drains are not part of the sanitary sewer system.

All storm sewers in Tulsa drain into local waterways. These drain outlets are monitored regularly after rain events, and checked for pollutants as required by Tulsa’s Stormwater Quality Permit.

Putting foreign substances into this system can also cause flooding and is a violation of City ordinance. Such actions are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 a day. Please do your part and keep the inlets and drainage ways throughout Tulsa free from pollutants, and clear of brush and debris, by practicing the following:

• Store all barrels and buckets inside, or elevate and cover. Periodically inspect them for leaks, spills and missing bungs.
• Store all materials, equipment, waste, byproducts and finished products inside or elevate and cover.
• Store all batteries inside, or elevate and cover.
• Keep lids closed on your dumpster(s) when not in use. If there are no lids on the dumpster(s), contact the waste hauler to have lid(s) installed. Plug or repair hole(s) in the dumpster(s).
• Clean up all metal chips and scrap metal on a routine basis.
• Pick up miscellaneous trash and other debris on a routine basis.
• Store salvaged parts that have oil residue on them inside, or elevate and cover.
• Air compressor blow down/bleed-off fluids should be captured for proper disposal.
• Contain and clean up all spills and leaks as soon as possible and dispose of properly. If a fuel spill should occur that makes it into the storm sewer system, immediately call the Fire Department and Stormwater Land Management at (918) 591-4325.
• Clean up all used absorbent material on a routine basis and dispose of properly.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan documents including training, inspections and sampling data must be available for review by inspectors.

• For a list of vendors who accept the disposal of commercially generated chemicals, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery
Questions should be directed to the City of Tulsa Stormwater and Land Management representative by calling (918) 591-4325.

Inspect Detention Ponds Regularly
• Inspect ponds once per year and after every large rainfall event.
• Check for flooding, trash, excessive sediment build-up, excessive algae growth and other signs of pollution such as oil sheens, discolored water or unpleasant odors or dead/ distressed fish or wildlife.
• Schedule maintenance and/or cleaning as needed.

Monitor Drain Times
• For the best water-quality benefit, the pond should hold excess water for at least 24 hours and drain to the normal pool elevation within 72 hours.

Maintain and Protect Vegetative Buffers
Around Ponds
• Leave a vegetated buffer around the pond/stream perimeter. This will help prevent erosion and pollutants from entering the waterbody.
• Within the vegetated buffer, keep the grass at a longer height and plant or maintain native grasses, shrubs, and trees for shade.
• Protect existing native vegetation and wetland plants in and around ponds.
• Some aquatic plants that make great natural filters include water hyacinth, watercress, cattails, papyrus, water iris, arrowhead and water lettuce.
• If vegetation must be controlled around a pond or waterway the use of manual and mechanical devices is mostly preferred due to the risk of applying chemicals. If herbicides must be used select one that is safe for use around water and follow the label.

Draining or Lowering of Water Levels
• In order to conduct needed maintenance, some ponds require the draining or lowering of the water level.
• During draining, care must be taken to ensure that pollutants are not discharged into the storm sewer or other adjacent bodies of water.
• Reduce contaminants through proper placement of intake or outlet structures by utilizing a filtering material to trap the pollutants.
• Take care to control the volume of water in order to prevent downstream flooding.

Notifications and Violations
• Any scheduled discharge to the City of Tulsa’s storm sewer system requires notification and approval by the Stormwater and Land Management Division (918) 591-4325.
• Disposal or discharge of anything other than stormwater to the storm sewer system is a violation of the City of Tulsa’s Pollution Ordinance, (Title 11- A, Chapter 5). Please review
the ordinance before draining or discharging pond water to the storm sewer or adjacent bodies of water.
– Violators may be subject to enforcement actions.

Handling Sedimentation Issues
Urbanization can concentrate pollutants that are washed into your pond or water feature during rainfall events. Ponds provide storage for stormwater that allows sediments, and other pollutants, to settle out and accumulate on the bottom. In order to maintain the pond’s design capacity, sediment must be removed from time to time. This is usually done using draglines or bucket dredges (when the pond contains water), or bulldozer/backhoe (when the pond is drained of water). The No. 1 violation incurred during maintenance is the failure to properly dispose of sediment. Sediment must be disposed of in accordance with the Pollution Ordinance.

Waterfowl Population Control
Although ducks and geese are among Tulsa’s treasured natural resources, waterfowl populations can quickly get out of hand, resulting in over-population of your pond or water feature in a very short period of time. The accumulation of fecal material around water features will impact the water quality and damage turf and nearby vegetation.
To control waterfowl:
• Discontinue feeding.
• Modify the habitat to make it unattractive to waterfowl so they will not return.
▫ Add items that will frighten the waterfowl as soon as it lands.
▫ Introduce other repellants.

City of Tulsa Maintenance of Waterbodies
The City of Tulsa is authorized to maintain City owned property and private property to ensure there are no channel blockages or risks to the citizens of Tulsa from flooding issues.. The City however will not maintenance trees, vegetation, erosion or non-flood threatening blockages that are on private property Tulsa’s Stormwater and Land Management Division maintains City owned ponds and stream bank property through the use of aquatic herbicides. These herbicides are approved for use around waterbodies and the labels followed appropriately.

If unused pond/waterway maintenance chemicals are leftover disposing of them correctly is imperative. It is against the law to dispose of chemicals down the storm sewer system. To dispose of unused chemicals correctly (from non-business generated waste only) please call 918-596-2100 to schedule a free appointment to drop off chemicals at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility. For a list of businesses that take unwanted commercial chemicals, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/resourcerecovery.

Concrete Trucks/Pumpers/Finishers - BMP’s such as mats or diking materials should be implemented to prevent materials and residue from entering the storm sewer system. There should also be entry and exit measures put into place, such as a graduated gravel drive with large to small gravel to prevent drag out onto the street. If this does occur it will need to be swept up to prevent sediment from entering the storm sewer system.

Erosion Control Measures - Silt fences or other erosion control measures must be placed where it will store water, with the ends higher than the interior point- often times a ‘smile’ or j-hook shape is required to create a storage area. Silt fences must be checked daily and after a rain event to ensure good working condition per city specifications.

Building Materials/Staging Areas - Materials should be stored on pallets off the ground, covered and behind secondary containment.

Dumpsters - Dumpsters should always be covered. The area around the dumpster should be kept clean at all times and perimeter controls around the dumpster should be provided and maintained continually.

Dirt and Grading -Dirt and grading materials should be temporally seeded, covered or sprayed with water to prevent erosion and dust.

Washout Area - Disposal of concrete slurry should take place in the washout area. This area should contain a berm and an impervious surface to prevent seepage into the ground or runoff to the storm sewer system.

Liquid Materials - All liquid materials must be disposed of properly either into a hazardous materials container or solid waste container depending on the substance. Keep spill kits or a wet/dry vacuum on site to clean up spills.

Failure to implement these best management practices can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day, refusal of certificate of occupancy and city water disconnection. Violations are issued on builder specific basis.