Suffolk County Government Crest

Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program

Edward P. Romaine, County Executive

Department of Public Works

Department of Economic Development and Planning

Gas stations can be a source of contaminants due to the following reasons:

  • Gas and oil spilled on the ground is easily washed away by water from rainfall or hoses.
  • Grease, oil, antifreeze, copper, and asbestos from engine and brake residues can deposit onto the pavement and be washed away by water.
  • Oil, grease, and detergents drain from car washing.
  • Remember, just one gallon of oil can contaminate 1 MILLION gallons of water!

Ensure that pollutants from your gas station do not reach our local waterbodies by implementing these BMPs:

  • Never wash down fueling areas with water, unless the wash water is collected and properly disposed of. Maintain fuel pump areas by regularly sweeping dirt and debris.
  • Maintain and keep a spill response plan.
  • Clean up spills using dry cleanup methods such as sweeping for litter and debris removal and rags and absorbants for leaks and spills.
  • Label drains within the facility boundary, with an adhesive label, to indicate whether they flow to an oil/water separator, to the sanitary sewer, or to the storm sewer system.
  • Inspect dispenser hoses frequently, train employees on spill prevention, and proper inspection of pumps.
  • Provide spill kits and locate them in a readily accessible place.
  • An emergency shut off button should be in plain view with bold red letters marking its location.
  • Put a roof over the fueling area to prevent rain water from picking up pollutants.
  • Keep rain water out of the fueling area by constructing a containment system.
  • Do not allow customers to conduct automotive repairs on the premises.
  • "Topping off" of vehicle fuel tanks should be discouraged by posting signs on the gas tanks.