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Building & Grounds Maintenance SC-41 <br />Supplemental Information <br />Further Detail of the BMP <br />Fire Sprinkler Line Flushing <br />Building fire sprinkler line flushing may be a source of non-stormwater runoff pollution. The <br />water entering the system is usually potable water, though in some areas it may be non -potable <br />reclaimed wastewater. There are subsequent factors that may drastically reduce the quality of <br />the water in such systems. Black iron pipe is usually used since it is cheaper than potable <br />piping, but it is subject to rusting and results in lower quality water. Initially, the black iron pipe <br />has an oil coating to protect it from rusting between manufacture and installation; this will <br />contaminate the water from the first flush but not from subsequent flushes. Nitrates, poly- <br />phosphates and other corrosion inhibitors, as well as fire suppressants and antifreeze may be <br />added to the sprinkler water system. Water generally remains in the sprinkler system a long <br />time (typically a year) and between flushes may accumulate iron, manganese, lead, copper, <br />nickel, and zinc. The water generally becomes anoxic and contains living and dead bacteria and <br />breakdown products from chlorination. This may result in a significant BOD problem and the <br />water often smells. Consequently dispose fire sprinkler line flush water into the sanitary sewer. <br />Do not allow discharge to storm drain or infiltration due to potential high levels of pollutants in <br />fire sprinkler line water. <br />References and Resources <br />California's Nonpoint Source Program Plan htip://www.swreb.ca.gov/n.ps/index.html <br />Clark County Storm Water Pollution Control Manual <br />htt.p://www.co.clark.wa.us/.pubworks/bm.pman..pdf <br />King County Storm Water Pollution Control Manual htip://dnr.metroke.gov/wlr/dss/sl2cm.htm <br />Mobile Cleaners Pilot Program: Final Report. 1997. Bay Area Stormwater Management <br />Agencies Association (BASMAA). http://www.basmaa.org/ <br />Pollution from Surface Cleaning Folder. 1996. Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies <br />Association (BASMAA). htt.p://www.basmaa.org/ <br />Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program http: //www.sevuippp.org <br />The Storm Water Managers Resource Center htip://www.stormwatereenter.net/ <br />January 2003 California Stormwater BMP Handbook 5 of 5 <br />Industrial and Commercial <br />www.cabmphandbooks.com <br />