What can and must  restaurants do to prevent waste or wash water from entering the storm drain system?
Stormwater, Clean Oceans, & Pollution Prevention
This information has been prepared to inform restaurants in Orange County of the guidelines recommended for external restaurant cleaning operations in order to protect the water quality in storm drains, channels, creeks, bays and ocean. 

This site is intended to explain the regulatory issues regarding the discharge of restaurant cleaning washwater and the procedures that should be followed when conducting activities outside your restaurant that may result in offsite runoff. 

All food establishments are regulated by the City's Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program.  Food servioce establishments shall also obtain a FOG permit or an exemption based on the food preparation
When cleaning your facility you need to follow these guidelines in order to prevent waste or washwater from entering the storm drains where it flows untreated to the ocean.

How Does Orange County’s Storm Drain System Work?

Unlike the sewer system, which carries water from your indoor drains to wastewater treatment plants, the storm drain system releases untreated water into channels, rivers and ultimately the ocean. To insure the safety and enjoyment of our environment, everyone’s help is needed to keep the storm drain system free from harmful pollutants.

General Cleaning Operations

Clean floormats, filters and garbage cans in a mop sink area with a floor drain that is connected to the sanitary sewer or in an area which will contain the washwater. 

Pour all washwater into a janitorial or mop sink.

Keep dumpster areas clean and lids closed. Clean the area following guidelines.

Hose Washing of DumpsterAreas, Sidewalks and Common Areas

If hot water, soap or any other cleaning agent is used, block the storm drain and collect water/waste and discharge to the sanitary sewer (with the approval of the local sanitation district).

If only cold tap water with no cleaning agent is used, then the following Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be implemented before washing: 

Prior to washing, clean and/or sweep all large debris from the area.

Clean any fluid spills with an appropriate dry method, such as kitty litter or other absorbent, and dispose of appropriately.

To the extent practicable, the wash water must be directed to vegetative or unpaved areas where it would soak into the ground.

If the wash water appears contaminated (cloudy, colored, presence of suspended solids), additional Best Management Practices such as diversion to the sanitary sewer (with approval) or filtration methods must be implemented.

Steam/Pressure Washing of Dumpster Areas, Sidewalks and Common Areas

Block the storm drain and collect all water/waste for disposal to the sanitary sewer (with the prior approval of the local sanitation district).

Q&A
Preventing Releases to the Storm Drain

Question: Can any liquids, solids or spilled materials from restaurant cleaning operations be discharged to the stormdrain? 

Answer: No restaurant washwater or waste may be discharged to the storm drain. Remember: Think...about what you are doing before you start cleaning. 

Question: Does the restaurant have the equipment, material and personnel to handle a spill or discharge (such as a grease or sewage spill)? 

Answer: Be Prepared...for any spill or discharge. Remember: Pre-plan: Gather the right equipment and enough material ahead of time. 

Question: Is it safe for me to clean up spills and discharges? 

Answer: Know...in advance, what you are handling and what to do and make sure staff are trained. Remember: Your safety is paramount. 

Question: When do I begin to clean up spills and discharges? 

Answer: Act...immediately, using known and safe procedures, and try to contain the spilled material on your property. Remember: Protect the storm drain. 

Question: Do I need to report spills or discharges? 

Answer: Communicate...the spill to your supervisor as soon as possible. Remember: Report all spills and discharges that are not contained on site to (714) 567-6363 or to 911 after hours. 

Questions regarding this brochure may be directed to: The Orange County Public Facilities and Resources Department’s Stormwater Section at (714) 567-6363 or write to the Orange County Stormwater Program 1750 S. Douglas Road Anaheim, CA 92806 

For questions regarding the City's FOG program, please contact the City's Water Quality Manager at (714) 229-6752.
Created on Aug.  4, 2002 at  7:14 PM (PDT). Last updated by kgraham@cypressca.org on July 26, 2019 at  4:27 PM (PDT). Owned by cmcmahon@ci.cypress.ca.us.
Catherine McMahon
Kirsten Graham
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