To help protect waterways like the Skagit River in Washington state, USPS requires employees to follow the organization’s “zero discharge,”
anti-pollution policy.
The United States Postal Service® has established policies to reduce pollution from stormwater and snowmelt, which can cause oil or other hazardous chemicals and pollutants to enter the environment. These policies protect the environment and require employees to take specific actions to minimize pollution.
USPS® requires employees to:
n Never allow vehicle wash water or other equipment wastewater to enter stormwater drains. National 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 offsite management.
n Never allow water from the operation or cleaning of cooling towers and chillers, which contains toxic treatment chemicals, to be discharged into any stormwater system.
n Provide cover for potential contaminants:
n Oil and chemicals,
n Batteries,
n Tires,
n Salt storage piles, and
n Trash stored outside.
n Keep containers and dumpsters closed and in good condition.
n Keep exterior areas clean:
n Address spills,
n Keep parking lots free of debris, and
n Keep stormwater catch basins and drains clear.
n Apply pesticides and fertilizers with precision and restraint.
For more information about USPS stormwater management policies, see blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/policy/cso/cso06162016.pdf.
— Environmental Compliance and Risk Management,
Office of Sustainability, 7-4-19
