Wastewater Best Management Practices

Click on the following business types for more information on these specific Best Management Practice (BMP) programs and for a listing of current participants.

Voluntary industry sector specific BMP programs (Radiator Repair Shops, Silver Recovery, etc.) are intended to be a cost-effective vehicle for applicable businesses to stay in compliance with local environmental regulations. These BMP programs also are designed to be less burdensome for both the industry and local government than industrial wastewater discharge permits. Permits require annual fees, costly self-monitoring, and increased recordkeeping/reporting from industries. It takes more government resources in staff time, equipment and supplies to enforce permits than it does to oversee BMP programs. The City of Tulsa benefits when industries adopt BMPs because it means the City can target larger industrial sectors to reduce pollutants while maintaining its own compliance with State and Federal mandates.

In addition to saving the time and money spent on monitoring and tracking permit requirements, the facilities that implement these BMPs may see a significant reduction in their waste disposal costs and realize other operational improvements. Industries with BMPs are invited to join Partners for A Clean Environment (PACE), a program that assists environmentally concerned business owners and managers. Through PACE, participating industries receive recognition for and publicity about steps they are taking during the course of their daily operations that demonstrate their concern for the environment. This publicity also gives consumers information they use when making patronage decisions. PACE benefits the entire Tulsa community because its educational programs help citizens and companies make a commitment to environmental stewardship.

For more information, contact the Pollution Prevention supervisor at (918) 591-4381 or Quality Assurance at (918) 591-4378.