Pollution Prevention Assistance

The Snohomish County Health Department places a high value on protecting our region's groundwater and surface waters. However, many routine business activities have the potential to pollute stormwater runoff or groundwater.

Your business likely generates hazardous waste (see WAC 173-303-020). That means the business produces waste that cannot go in the garbage or down the drain. You are required to treat, store, and dispose of such waste in compliance with the Snohomish County Health Department Code. 

The Health Department's pollution prevention assistance program conducts technical assistance visits to businesses throughout the county. The program provides information on best management practices that help businesses meet regulatory requirements and protect the environment.

We help businesses:

• Understand the environmental requirements that apply,
• Determine if the requirements are being met,
• Find solutions to compliance problems, and
• If necessary, prepare a plan to fix the problem and bring the business into compliance. 

How do I know if my business has hazardous waste?

If your business discards these types of materials, you probably generate hazardous waste.

Product labels may also indicate if a material is a hazardous waste. Watch for labels such as: DANGER, FLAMMABLE, WARNING, POISON or CAUTION. These types of materials should never be thrown in the garbage.

Pollution Prevention Assistance

The Pollution Prevention Partnership is comprised of representatives from cities, counties, and health districts. Funding assistance is provided by the Department of Ecology and allows the program to provide free hands-on-assistance to Small Quantity Generators* (typically small businesses and organizations) who wish to improve their practices by reducing impacts to human health and the environment.

This is accomplished through technical assistance visits that are designed to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste and pollutants at the source. A local pollution prevention specialist will meet with your organization to evaluate current activities and practices. They will discuss concerns, observations, solutions, and work directly to help solve common challenges around dangerous wastes, stormwater, solid waste, and spill prevention. This collaborative process limits liability, reduces risk, and improves work environments.

If you would like to learn more about this program, contact your local specialist at 425.339.5250.

Our partners

Surface and storm water staff from your city or county promote clean water practices by ensuring that storm water systems are planned, developed, and maintained to prevent flooding and protect water quality. They routinely monitor and test water in creeks, streams, and lakes. When testing indicates a problem, trained staff find the source and address it.

Sewer districts and cities operate wastewater treatment plants. During treatment, wastewater is tested at multiple steps. Sewer districts are responsible for operations and maintenance. Your sewer district can help businesses find ways to remove pollutants.