Landscapers

It is illegal to allow anything other than rainwater to be discharged to a storm drain.

Never allow landscaping materials to be transported to a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain. If over applied, spilled, or disposed of improperly, materials such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be harmful to water quality and creek habitats.

Individuals and businesses that improperly handle and dispose of non-stormwater materials down the storm drain are both subject to civil and criminal prosecution.

HOW ARE THE STORM DRAIN AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS DIFFERENT?

  • The storm drain system transports rainwater to local creeks, rivers, and the ocean. This system was created to prevent flooding within communities and homes.

  • All water and materials that enter the storm drain system are untreated.

  • The sanitary sewer is a plumbed system that transports used water from buildings to a wastewater collection and treatment facility, where the water and sewage is treated.

  • If you see an outdoor drain and are unsure of its use, assume it is a storm drain and do not discharge wash water to it.

  • Clean creeks are important. They provide vital fish habitat, recreation, and add to the beauty of our city.

Best Practices:

Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides

  • Must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Contact your local County administered Household Hazardous Waste program or collection facility for more information and locations.

  • Check the weather and don’t spray if rain or high wind is forecasted.

  • Use natural non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.

  • If you must use traditional products, spot apply only.

  • Avoid application on hard surfaces, such as curbs and driveways.

  • Stay away from creeks, ponds, and ditches as a rule.  Spraying within 100 feet of these features requires a permit from the State.

Irrigation

  • Avoid overspray and over irrigation.

  • Fix leaks.

  • Use drip and bubbler irrigation.

  • Use low flow sprinkler heads to minimize overspray, evaporation, and runoff.

Yard Waste and Landscaping Materials

  • Keep material and debris out of the gutter and catch basins.

  • Protect bare soil.

  • Disturb the least amount of soil and existing vegetation as possible to complete the work.

  • Schedule landscape grading and excavation projects for dry weather.

  • Cover stockpiles and store chemicals away from rain and runoff.

  • Dispose of grass clippings, leaves, branches, sticks, or other yard waste by composting it or putting it in a yard waste bin.

  • Never blow, sweep, or dump grass clippings, leaves, branches, sticks, or other yard waste onto creek banks or into the creek.

Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance

  • Immediately clean up drips or small spills.

  • Separate hazardous wastes and use secondary containment for storage.

  • Use dry cleanup methods (i.e. broom or vacuum). Avoid hosing down or pressure washing work areas.

Are You Ready to Respond to a Spill?

  • Have a written plan.

  • Train employees annually on storm water regulations, spill response, personal safety, and hazardous waste handling and disposal.

  • Have spill cleanup materials onsite.

  • Have Safety Data Sheets for all products used.

Releasing pollutants into the storm drain system or a waterway is prohibited by local ordinance, state, and federal law.

For an emergency or a spill involving hazardous materials or hazardous waste call 911 or your local Fire Department.

FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCY / NON-HAZARDOUS SPILLS

  • To report a Non-Hazardous spill, or for other useful phone numbers, see Spill Numbers informational reference sheet for your local agency contact information or visit: www.streetstocreeks.org/spill-numbers/