Module V
   
 
Lesson Ten : General BMPs for Transportation Industries
 
             

Loading/Unloading Areas

When rainfall and runon comes in contact with spilled raw materials, sediment, and motor fluids that accumulate in the heavy-traffic loading/unloading areas, the stormwater is contaminated. From the stormwater pollution prevention point of view, using indoor bays for loading/unloading is the best choice. For facilities that must use an outdoor loading dock, following operational BMPs and simple design features can control stormwater pollution:

Source: Image of EPA

 

  • Confine loading/unloading activities to a designated area indoors or in a covered area

  • Consider covering loading/unloading area with permanent cover (e.g., roofs) or temporary cover (e.g., tarpaulins)

  • Close storm drains during loading/unloading activities in surrounding areas

  • Avoid loading/unloading materials in the rain

  • Inspect the unloading/loading areas to detect problems before they occur

  • Inspect all containers prior to loading/unloading of any raw or spent materials

  • Using appropriate containment such as a berm, curb guard or dike in loading/unloading areas

  • Accumulated liquids should be pumped out with a portable pump to the sanitary sewer unless concentrations exceed allowable limits. In those cases the material must be pre-treated or shipped offsite for further treatment

  • Use dry clean-up methods instead of watering the areas down

  • Train employees on proper loading/unloading techniques and detail a procedure for promptly cleaning up spilled materials

  • Truck drivers might be asked to perform the following tasks in loading/unloading areas to prevent stormwater contamination:

    • Checking under the truck for leaked motor fluids, spilled materials, debris, and other foreign materials.

    • Identifying and reporting the spill - large or small

    • Cleaning up after unloading or before departing with a full load

  • Make the person who signs for the delivery be responsible for inspecting for spills, leaks, and debris before the trucks leave, if shipments are delivered by a trucking company or supplier’s company
 
     
 
 
 

 

Copyright @ January,2005 Prepared by Transportation Environmental Resource Center (TERC)