LA THINK BLUE BUSINESS ONLINE DIRECTORY

The following auto service businesses in Lewiston and Auburn are working together to help protect water quality for future generations. By supporting these businesses, you are helping protect stormwater as well!

Androscoggin River

What is the LA Think Blue Business Program? It is a collaborative effort between the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn and local auto service businesses to help protect and improve clean water in our lakes, streams, and rivers. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, polluted stormwater runoff is the number one water quality problem in the United States. This program provides a way for businesses to be community leaders by using stormwater friendly practices.

Why Automotive Services? Automotive service businesses handle motor oil, transmission fluids, and other auto fluids on a day-to-day basis. Poor handling and storage of these products can cause stormwater pollution. Careful, responsible handling of these products can protect stormwater from being polluted. A few simple practices can make a big difference in protecting the quality of Lewiston and Auburn’s streams, lakes, and rivers.

What are these businesses doing to help? The LA Think Blue Businesses listed on this page are committed to doing their part. Each business has completed a checklist of practices that they employ. Look for the commitment of participating businesses the next time you visit an LA Think Blue Business! The following is the list of recommended practices that the businesses select from to use at their business:

• Materials, spare parts, and wastes are stored inside or undercover to limit exposure to rain water or snow melt. When storing materials outside, they are kept off the ground.
• Wastes are segregated and recycled as much as possible. Containers are labeled to insure proper use.
• Trash storage and disposal areas are kept clean and free of debris and are inspected on a regular basis.
• Dumpsters and other trash receptacles are maintained in good condition, and promptly repaired when damaged. Dumpsters and trash receptacles are covered to keep wind and rain out.
• Litter is picked up around the property on a regular basis.
• Parking lots, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces are regularly swept using a vacuum sweeper. These areas are never hosed down.
• Any catch basins on the property are cleaned on an annual basis.
• Fuel dispensing areas or garage floors are never hosed down. Dry cleaning methods are used.
• Shop floor is sealed with a protective coating.
• Absorbent material used for auto fluid spills (oil, antifreeze, fuel, etc.) is promptly swept up and disposed.
• Wash or rinse water is never poured down a storm drain, in a ditch, on a roadway, or directly into a waterbody.
• Equipment and vehicles are always washed in designated areas. When possible, biodegradable or phosphorous free detergent is used. Engine washing is never performed outside!
• Drip pans are used under vehicles that are stored outside and are leak-prone. Any fluids collected in the drip pans are emptied into a designated waste container on a regular basis.
• Funnels, drip pans, and funnel covers on drums are used when transferring liquids to minimize spills.
• The discharge location of all floor drains is known. In garages, floor drains are either connected to a holding tank or to the sanitary sewer via an oil/water separator.
• Contractors and landscapers are used who are certified in erosion control practices by the Maine DEP.
• Employee training is conducted on a quarterly basis to reinforce proper housekeeping.

Where does stormwater go? Stormwater in the Lewiston/Auburn area either flows into a storm drain, ditch, down the road, or directly into streams or the river. But ultimately ends up in waters of Lewiston and Auburn – in particular, the Androscoggin River, the Little Androscoggin River, Bobbin Mill Brook, Logan Brook, Moose Brook, Goff Brook, Hart Brook, Taylor Pond, Taylor Brook, No Name Pond, and Lake Auburn. Stormwater is not treated; therefore stormwater carries all of the ‘hitchhiking’ pollutants into the water as well. These pollutants lead to beach closures, algal blooms, destruction of coldwater fish habitat, and general harm to the overall beauty and recreational appeal of our local waters.

What can I do to help? You can help protect Maine’s water at home by reducing the quantity of stormwater and by improving the quality of stormwater leaving your property. Another way to help keep our waters clean is to support the LA Think Blue Businesses that are being leaders in the effort of stormwater pollution prevention.

Contact the following for more information:
Lewiston Stormwater Coordinator: Jan Patterson (207) 784-5753
Auburn Stormwater Coordinator: Jonathan Earle (207) 333-6600

The LA Think Blue Business pilot study is a Public Education and Outreach Program that is helping to fulfill portions of the Cities’ Stormwater Management Plan required by federal stormwater regulations.