Storm water which flows directly to local creeks may contain a variety of pollutants. Storm water pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways, and for people who live near polluted streams or baylands.

Food handling facilities such as restaurants, institutional cafeterias, grocery stores, bakeries, and delis, can contribute to storm water pollution, mainly through improper cleanup practices that allow food particles, oil and grease, and cleaning products to flow to a street, gutter, or storm drain.

There are federal, state, county, city and town ordinances that apply to the discharge of materials other than storm water to the storm system. In Delaware, the discharge of oil and grease to a sanitary line is governed by the requirements of the receiving treatment plant. Also, in New Castle County, Public Works and DelDot are required to develop a Storm Water Plan for the public storm conveyance system.

Following the "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) in this manual will provide guidance for complying with protocols for discharging to the sanitary system or to a storm water system.