Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Contaminated wash waters, wastes, leaks, spills and polluted runoff can harm the water quality of local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. To control illicit discharges, SCVURPPP member agencies have implemented an illicit discharge detection and elimination control program. Best Management Practices for residents and businesses are available on the Watershed Watch website.
Detecting and stopping sources of discharges involves:
- Active surveillance
- Complaint & spill reporting and tracking
- Complaint response investigations
- Enforcement actions to address illicit discharge sources
Industrial & Commercial Site Controls
All wash waters, oil, grease, dirt, soaps & cleaning products, pesticides, paint, trash, and other outdoor pollution sources must be properly managed and not discharged to streets and storm drains. Businesses and industrial sites which cause or contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff are required to implement stormwater pollution prevention practices (e.g., closing dumpster lids, emptying mop waters into indoor drains, properly covering/containing items in storage areas, and using dry-cleaning methods (e.g., sweeping roofs and parking lots).
To protect creeks and San Francisco Bay from polluted stormwater, SCVURPPP member agencies have implemented an industrial and commercial site control program. Elements of this program include:
- Identifying and prioritizing sites to inspect
- Tracking inspection data
- Follow-up & enforcement actions, as needed
- Outreach & education – training business staff and owners on Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect local creeks and San Francisco Bay
Best Management Practices for businesses are available on the Watershed Watch website.
Municipal Operations
SCVURPPP member agencies implement appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control and reduce non-stormwater and polluted stormwater discharges to storm drains during operation, inspection, and routine repair and maintenance activities of municipal facilities and infrastructure.
These activities include:
- Street and road repair and maintenance
- Sidewalk/plaza maintenance and pavement washing
- Bridge and structure maintenance and graffiti removal
- Stormwater pump stations
- Rural public works construction and maintenance
- Corporation yards
BMPs and control measures are incorporated into municipalities’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Training plays a major role in ensuring that agency staff implement proper SOPs during their work duties.