Stone and Tile Cutting

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

Never allow dust / particulates, wastewater, or debris to be transported to a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain. If discharged or disposed of improperly, materials such as concrete, mortar, fine particulates and heavy metals 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?

Throughout urban communities, 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:

Cutting Waste

Avoid cutting or fabricating activities outside to prevent any dust and sediment accumulation that may run off into the storm drain system.
Prevent buildup of dust and sediment indoors so that it will not be tracked, blown, or otherwise carried outside.
Vacuum or sweep up sediment, dust, and other residuals frequently and at the end of every day.
Never hose down or wash any sediment or dust off of paved areas.

Wastewater Management

Any wastewater generated from stone and tile cutting may require a Discharge Permit. Check with your local municipality for specific requirements.
If you have a wastewater pre-treatment system that involves sediment settling, regularly clean out settling tanks and properly store and dispose of any waste.
Process water must be collected in a tank and strained/filtered to remove all solids prior to disposal to sanitary sewer.

Worksite Guidelines

Check and clean regularly.
Clean up wet or oily spots with rags and absorbents. Use dry cleanup methods.
Process water from a power-washer must be collected. Prior to power washing of any surface, refer to the “Power Washer Guidelines” document and/or your local municipality for requirements and regulatory compliance.
Maintain equipment you own and rent regularly to prevent leaks.

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.

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/