Hazardous Waste > Local Source Control Partnership > About Source Control

About Source Control

Preventing Pollution at Its Source Through Technical Assistance

Source control addresses causes of pollution at the source. Source control uses pollution-prevention techniques and best management practices (BMPs) to prevent, control, and treat contaminants before pollutants enter the environment.

The Local Source Control (LSC) Specialists of the Local Source Control Partnership use their technical knowledge to help small businesses stop pollution before it starts. Medium and large-quantity generators of dangerous waste in Washington have had access to Pollution Prevention technical assistance for almost 20 years.

Historically, most small businesses have had little access to dangerous-waste handling, disposal, or BMP expertise. The LSC Specialists provide this expertise to help small businesses identify and implement best pollution-prevention techniques and practices. The application of pollution-prevention techniques and BMPs can save small businesses money and conserve resources, too.

Source Control and How It Works from the Urban Waters Initiative site describes pollution prevention technical assistance in an urban setting. This also applies to protecting other waters throughout the state.

The Environmental Results Program Auto Body Pilot allows LSC Specialists to conduct site visits to test the ERP self-certification program. This program goal is to increase small-business compliance and to help businesses to go beyond compliance, where possible.

Local Source Control Contacts contains contact information for Ecology and Local Source Control Specialists.

Related Information:

Stormwater This page from Ecology's Water Quality Program provides regulations and technical assistance on all aspects of preventing stormwater pollution.

Nonpoint Pollution This page from Ecology's Water Quality Program is about the prevention of polluted runoff.

The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) is Washington state's regional non-profit Pollution Prevention (P2) center for research and technical assistance.

The Pollution Prevention Roundtable Topic Hubs offer business-specific techniques, as well as articles on Pollution Prevention issues from a national network of non-profit technical assistance centers.

The Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange is the national clearinghouse that coordinates work among regional P2 centers.

Design for the Environment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), partners with industry leaders to solve source control problems.

Toxic Free Tips Public-oriented resources "for a safer and healthier home, school, workplace and community." Toxic Free Tips offers a popular shopper's guide, health links, and more.