The City of Colonial Heights has developed general standards which can be adopted by businesses and others to show they CARE about the environment and want to participate in the CARE program.

WHY CARE:

The CARE program is part of a public participation and public involvement program which are two of six minimum contract measures required of the City by their stormwater permit issued by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Is required under USEPA regulations as a method to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Stormwater from Colonial Heights runs off into Swift Creek, Old Town Creek, and Fleets Branch, which are tributaries of the Appomattox River. Waste products, litter, street dirt, fertilizers and pesticides, animal wastes, anything laying on the ground that can get wet during a rainstorm is subject to being carried away and ending up in the Appomattox river which flows into the James River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. We are all aware of the problems of polluted water killing fish, making the water unusable and just plain looking bad.

We all need to help out and CARE about our water.  This program is one of several that you can help with.

CARE – GREEN BUSINESS STANDARD:

To be a CARE partner you can adopt our green business standards. Your business will be recognized with a sign, by being on our web site and other methods.  It is simple and does not take a lot of time. Here are the basic rules:

First – meet current regulations

• Make sure you bring your business into compliance with environmental regulations.

Second – let others know you CARE.

• Provide opportunity and training for employees and encourage involvement.
• Let you customers know of your commitment to CARE.
• Assist other businesses in getting involved with CARE.
• Start a program to monitor and record your use of water, power, and solid and hazardous waste generation.

Third – implement the CARE-Green Business practices for resource conservation and pollution prevention

 

Resource conservation and pollution prevention:

Water

• Check for and repair leaks in faucets and toilets.
• Don’t let water faucets run
• Use water wisely
• Check for water conservation measures specific to your business
• Monitor your water bills monthly

Energy:

• Perform regular maintenance on HVAC systems
• Go to www.dom.com (Dominion) and click on my business under the welcome.  Click on the service icon and go to Virginia on the side bar. Under the Dominion Virginia Power sidebar are energy saving tips.
• Check for energy conservation measures specific to your business
• Monitor your power bill monthly

Solid waste reduction and recycling

• Look at what you are throwing away
• Look for alternatives to reduce your solid waste
• Check your business trade associations for other methods
• Buy recycled products whenever possible
• Go to the Virginia DEQ website for information (www.deq.state.va.us/recycle/)

Pollution prevention

• Look at your facility and operation to identify pollution prevention opportunities
• Check your business trade associations for pollution prevention programs
• Go to the Virginia DEQ (www/deq.state.va.us/p21) and USEPA web sites for information and links. Also check the Virginia Mentoring Network, Virginia Manufacturers Association at www.vamanufacturers.com/
• Check your fleet for reducing vehicle emissions, oil leaks antifreeze/radiator leaks.