Pollution Prevention Assistance

Island County places a high value on protecting storm and surface water, which ultimately flow into nearby streams, lakes, and Puget Sound, picking up pollutants in their path. Pollution sources can be direct or indirect, often coming from improper disposal or outdoor storage practices. The best way to manage pollution is to prevent pollution in the first place. Once waste is created, energy and resources are required to recycle or dispose of the waste. By generating less waste, you consume fewer resources and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, you spend less money, effort, and time in recycling or disposing your waste at the end of its life.

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, go to Washington Department of Ecology’s PPA website. To request a technical assistance visit, contact your local specialist at: m.cohen@islandcountywa.gov

Here are some ways you can help prevent pollution:

• Prepare for spills

• Identify dangerous waste and hazardous waste

• Properly store and manage your dangerous waste

• Choose less toxic chemicals

• Maintain drainage facilities

• Wash vehicles over gravel, or where the drain leads to the sanitary sewer

• Identify drainage and learn where it leads

In addition to preventing pollution, Island County is also focused on helping small businesses be recognized as a Green Business through Envirostars. For more information, please visit their website here.

If you are a small business in Island County and would like more information on our Pollution Prevention Assistance Program, please reach out to us at (360) 678-7350 or send an email to m.cohen@islandcountywa.gov.