Important Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Information
THE OCEAN
BEGINS AT YOUR FRONT DOOR! |
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Storm Water & Urban Runoff Pollution (SWURP) And What You Can Do To Stop It
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Before you pour anything into the gutter
or down the drain, stop and think! Storm Drains go directly into channels
and creeks...and through wetlands and bays to the ocean.
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Did you know?
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Anything we use in our home, car and
business like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners can
wind up in the street. A little water from rain or a garden hose can carry
automotive and household materials through the storm drain polluting bays,
wetlands and the ocean. Storm drains are there to drain water off the street - not for
disposal of hazardous materials.
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Where does it go?
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These pollutants flow together on a
journey from the storm drain to the flood control channel where it can
eventually empty into the ocean. This type of pollution is called Storm
Water & Urban Runoff (SWURP) and is a serious threat to the beaches and
ocean of Southern California.
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What Is Storm Water &
Urban Runoff Pollution (SWURP)?
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Storm water runoff
refers to seasonal rainfall flows. It is very noticeable during a heavy
rain storm when large volumes of water drain off paved areas. Urban runoff
can happen anytime of the year when excessive water use from irrigation,
car washing and other sources carries litter, lawn clippings and other
urban pollutants into storm drains. Even an automobile leading motor oil
20 miles inland can still pollute the ocean.
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Storm Water & Urban Runoff
Pollution (SWURP)
And What You Can Do To Stop It
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Before you pour anything into the gutter
or down the drain, stop and think! Storm Drains go directly into channels
and creeks...and through wetlands and bays to the ocean.
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How Is It Different
From Other Forms Of Water Pollution?
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SWURP can include anything that washes
into the storm drain from the community. Unlike water pollution linked to
factories or sewage treatment plants, SWURP can come from city streets,
neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots.
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Storm Water & Urban
Runoff Pollution Comes From:
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Automotive leaks and spills. Disposal of
used oil and other engine fluids down the storm drain. Metals in vehicle
exhaust, paint, rust, metal plating and tires. Pesticides, herbicides and
fertilizers from lawns, gardens and farms. Improper disposal of cleaners,
paint and paint removers. Soil erosion and dust debris from landscape and
construction activities. Litter, lawn clippings, animal waste and other
organic matter. Oil stains on parking lots and paved surfaces.
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Impact
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| Storm Water & Urban Runoff Pollution And The Ocean SWURP may have a serious impact on water quality in Orange County. Pollutants
from the storm drain system can harm marine life as well as coastal and
wetland habitats. It can also degrade recreation areas such as beaches,
harbors and bays.
THE OCEAN IS
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
THERE ARE WAYS TO
REDUCE STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION (SWURP)
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Home Maintenance
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| Buy household products such as cleaners
and furniture polish labeled "non toxic". Use small quantities and
purchase only the amount you need.
Properly use and store all toxic products,
including cleaners, solvents and paints. Use up paint cleaners and other
products or share leftovers with a neighbor.
Take household hazardous materials and
containers to a hazardous material collection center.
Use kitty litter or other absorbent
materials to clean spills. Depending on the substance, dispose absorbents
in the trash can or at a hazardous materials collection center.
Rinse water based paint brushes in the
sink. Filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners. Dispose of used
thinner, oil and latex paint at a hazardous materials collection center.
Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter
into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by
animals.
Control erosion at construction and
landscape sites to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains.
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Lawn and Garden
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| Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
in accordance with label instructions. Do not apply before rain and
dispose leftovers at a hazardous materials collection center.
Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up
garden clippings. Put leaves and clippings in a trash can or a compost
pile.
Divert rain spouts and garden hoses from
paved surfaces onto grass to allow water to filter through the soil. Water
only your lawn and garden. Caution! do not use this suggested action in
areas with steep slopes or landslide potential.
Pick up animal waste and dispose in the
trash can.
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| Automotive |
Take used motor oil and antifreeze to gas
stations that accept recyclable automotive fluids, or to a hazardous
materials collection center.
Have your car maintained regularly to
prevent oil, antifreeze and other fluid leaks.
Reduce automotive emissions through routine
auto maintenance, ride sharing and public transportation.
Conserve water when washing your car and
use biodegradable soap. Clean engines at a "Do It Yourself Car Wash" where
the drainage is not connected to the storm drain.
You can control SWURP by supporting city
and county activities to keep your streets clean. You can help by
participating in recycling, beach clean-ups, and the proper disposal of
hazardous materials.
Since many businesses and residents are
unaware of the storm water & urban runoff problem, encourage neighbors and
co-workers to be careful in not polluting the storm drain system.
Together, you, your neighbors and city can
make a difference in keeping the ocean and beaches clean for ourselves and
wildlife. Contact the Storm Water Participant in your area to share ideas
or ask questions on keeping storm drains clean. City of Laguna Beach
Municipal Services Department 497-0711.
DID YOU
KNOW THAT DUMPING ONE QUART OF MOTOR OIL DOWN A STORM DRAIN CONTAMINATES
250,000 GALLONS OF WATER?
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| Storm Water Quality
Management Programs |
Storm Water Quality Management Programs have been developed by the Orange
County Environmental Management Agency, local cities, and other agencies
which participate in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Their responsibilities involve encouraging the public to help protect
water quality, monitoring runoff in the storm drain system, managing the
NPDES permit process for municipalities, investigating illegal disposal
and maintaining storm drains.
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Important Phone Numbers
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| Orange County Household Hazardous
Materials Hotline (714) 834-6752
For information on service stations that
accept used motor oil. California Integrated Waste Management Board (800)
CLEANUP
For information on agricultural chemicals,
pesticides and possible alternatives, O.C. Agriculture Commissioner (714)
447-7100
Information for
industries regarding Hazardous Waste And Underground Storage Tank
Requirements: O.C. Health Care Agency / Environmental Health Division /
Hazardous Materials Management Section (714) 667-3700 |
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