The Postal Service wants employees to follow its policy to reduce pollution in stormwater and snowmelt, which can cause oil and other hazardous chemicals to enter the environment.
Under this “zero discharge” policy, employees must do the following:
• Never allow vehicle wash water or other equipment wastewater to enter stormwater drains. National postal contracts require suppliers who wash vehicles to use either a dry wipe process or a wet wash that collects and contains wash water for proper management off-site.
Additionally, water from the operation or cleaning of cooling towers and chillers contains toxic treatment chemicals that should not be discharged to stormwater systems.
• Provide cover for contaminants such as oil, chemicals, batteries, tires, salt storage piles and trash that are stored outside. Keep containers and dumpsters closed and in good condition.
• Keep exterior areas clean. Address spills, keep parking lots free of debris, and keep catch basins and drains clear.
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers with precision and restraint.
The organization’s memorandum of policy, available on Blue, has more information.