Best Management Practices , as defined by the EPA, include schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and education, maintenance procedures and other management practices, which help to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants, directly or indirectly, to stormwater, receiving waters, or stormwater conveyance systems.
BMPs can vary from physical structures or features to changes in day to day behavior that collectively minimize stormwater pollution. Different BMPs serve different purposes; some stop pollution at the source and minimize the likelihood of pollution, others minimize stormwater infiltration of pollutants or maximize water conservation and proper waste disposal. BMPs also include treatment practices, operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
The best way to keep stormwater pollution from degrading Suffolk County's bays is to implement good housekeeping and pollution prevention practices at your home or business by considering some of the BMPs we have listed on this website. Everyone needs to lend a helping hand to prevent stormwater pollution.