Stormwater is rain water that flows over our streets and yards, and is captured in storm drains. Storm drains are identified by the "No Dumping - This Drains to Ocean" logo and lead from our City streets directly to the Pacific Ocean.
The City's storm drain system is part of a vast network of underground channels which were designed to carry rainwater and runoff from the streets, and sprinklers directly into the ocean to avoid flooding. Stormwater pollution poses a health threat to aquatic life, as well as to people who recreate in waterways and the ocean. Common stormwater pollutants include bacteria, toxic chemicals, and trash. After a rain event, high levels of bacteria in waterways and the ocean can make people sick and result in beach closures. This impacts swimming, beach tourism, fishing, and boating. Some pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals can be toxic to marine life. Plastic trash may also degrade and accumulate toxic chemicals. Aquatic life ingest these toxic chemicals and pass them along the food chain. This can result in the contamination of locally caught seafood, making it unsafe for consumption. Trash can also suffocate, entangle, and starve aquatic life.
Always ensure that litter and pollutants do not enter the street, gutter, or any other location where they can swept into the storm drains. Persons or companies found guilty of dumping anything into storm drains can be fined up to $25,000 per day.
How do we protect our waterways from stormwater pollution?
The following simple guidelines can make a big difference in protecting the storm drain system and keep our water clean:
- Properly dispose of trash (throw litter into trash cans, not into the streets)
- Do not dump waste or discharge wastewater into the storm drain system
- Properly dispose of leaves on the street (do not blow, sweep, hose or rake leaves into the street, gutter, or storm drains)
- Pick up pet waste and place it into the appropriate trash container
- Report illegal dumping, spills, and illicit discharges by calling the Public Works Services Department at (626) 254-2720
Industrial Waste, or wastewater discharge, from businesses has the potential to damage sanitary sewers and cause environmental and property damage including sewer blockages or spills.
For these reasons, the City requires certain types of businesses to apply for an Industrial Waste Discharge Permit. Permits are valid for five years from the date issued. Annual inspections are required as part of the permit process to ensure proper operations, management, and disposal of all waste. If your business activities include wastewater discharge, or proposes activities of wastewater discharge from your property or business onto California's surface, coastal, or ground waters, you will need to apply for a permit.
To apply, complete the application form and return it by email to publicworks@ArcadiaCA.gov; mail or drop-off: Arcadia Public Works, 11800 Goldring Rd. Arcadia, CA 91007
For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact John L Hunter Associates at: (714) 261-9981 or arcadia.iw@jlha.net
