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Through the on-going contact with citizens in the community
outreach effort, the staff of the Stormwater Management Program receives
many questions regarding stormwater pollution, as well as on the County's
Stormwater Program in general. The following are some of the most
frequently asked questions:
Q: What is a catch basin or storm drain?
A: A catch basin or storm drain is a curbside drain with the sole
function of collecting rainwater from our properties and streets, and
sending it, via underground piping, to local waterways. Storm drains can
also be found in parking lots and serve the same purpose. In county
and city areas, that water never goes to the sewer treatment plant to be
cleaned, but flows directly into our creeks, sloughs and rivers.
Q: Are sewers and storm drains the same things?
A: Not in the County of San Joaquin. In San Joaquin County, sewers
and storm drains are two completely different drainage systems.
Sewers carry wastewater from such things as washing machines, sinks,
toilets, and showers to a treatment plant to be cleaned prior to being
discharged into the San Joaquin River. The storm drain system
collects rainwater, and anything else dumped into it, and carries it all
directly to our local waterways with no treatment.
Q: Who maintains the County's storm drain system?
A: In most areas, the
County of San Joaquin Public Works Utilities Maintenance maintains both
the sewer system and the storm drain system.
Sanitary sewers in the Stockton urbanized area may be maintained by
City of Stockton or Country Club Sanitary District.
Q: Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?
A: Yes. The County regularly performs maintenance activities;
including cleaning, of the storm drain system. In addition, the
County crews are always available to respond to emergency situations where
clogged drains result in flooding.
Q: Why doesn't the County clean out all of the storm drains before a
storm?
A: County crews clean out clogged catch basins throughout the year
as part of on-going maintenance. Unfortunately there are just too
many catch basins and not enough time. Residents can reduce
flooding in their neighborhoods by keeping material out of the storm drain
system or clean debris around catch basin when performing landscape
maintenance.
Q: Why doesn't the County install filters or screens in front of catch
basins?
A: It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, debris (e.g.
leaves, sticks, trash) is quickly swept to the catch basin and any screen
or filtration device placed in front of the catch basin would clog the
grate resulting in flooding.
Q: Why isn't a net/fence/barrier installed at the end of the storm
drain channel to catch all of the trash?
A: Unfortunately, nets only catch larger pieces of the trash —
all of the pollutants like pet waste, used oil, pesticides, fertilizers,
etc., flow through the net and straight into our waterways.
Q: Why doesn't the County build a stormwater treatment facility?
A: Such a facility would be extremely expensive to build and
maintain, and these costs would need to be passed on to property owners.
Q: What kinds of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
A: Paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, trash,
paper, human and animal feces, antifreeze, leaves, grass clippings,
cooking oil, shopping carts, tires, dirty diapers, and dead animals are
but a few of the pollutants found in the system.
Q: When was the storm system built? Why?
A: The storm drain system is built as the land is developed.
This is done to insure that as new development occurs, proper drainage is
provided.
Q: What is the County of San Joaquin doing about illegal dumping?
A: The County will investigate all reports of dumping of material
into the storm drain system. To report dumping, please call the
County of San Joaquin Stormwater Management Division at 468-3055 during
regular business hours. After normal business hours, on weekends, or
holidays, please contact 468-4401. Each call is treated with
confidentiality.
Anyone caught dumping can be cited and a stiff fine imposed. Also,
the guilty party will be responsible for cleaning up the material and the
storm drain system.
Q: I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time.
What can I do?
A: Dumping used oil is illegal. One quart of motor oil can
pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. To report the problem,
call the numbers previously listed.
Used oil should be taken to a nearby gas station or auto parts dealer that
accepts used oil. Not only will used motor oil be kept out the
stormwater system, but the oil will be processed and can be used again as
re-refined oil. In addition, anyone bringing used motor oil to a
recycling center will be paid a refund. To find the nearest dealer
who will accept used oil or contact San Joaquin County Solid Waste at
1-(800)-449-4840 (toll free).
Q: What should I do if I see a neighbor throwing trash into a storm
drain?
A: The storm drain system is for the sole purpose of collecting
rainwater overflow. Dumping trash, pollutants and debris in the
catch basins is illegal and is a federal violation of the Clean Water Act
of 1972, as well as the County of San Joaquin's Ordinance. A
neighbor may not understand the catch basin's direct connection to the San
Joaquin River and other waterways. It may be just a matter of making
them aware of its environmental impact. County staff would be more
than happy to provide information to your neighbor.
Q: How can I properly dispose of left-over paints, thinners, chemicals,
car batteries, etc.?
A: There is
a permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility open Thursday through
Saturday each week from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for residents. (Business waste by appointment only). Call for Appointment 877-747-9699.
Q: I
wash my own car. How can I be environmentally responsible?
A: One option is to have vehicles cleaned at a commercial car wash
where wastewater flows through sand and oil traps then into the sanitary
sewer system. When washing your car at home, pull it up on the lawn
or graveled area where water will leach into the ground instead of flowing
into gutter and storm drains. Always use biodegradable soaps when washing
a vehicle and conserve as much water as possible. Shut off water
while washing your car, then rinse. Remember not to leave your car
on the lawn. We would highly recommend going to a full or self service car
wash because the used water is recycled.
Q: Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any
problems, right?
A: Wrong. Grass, leaves and yard clippings that are
repeatedly swept into catch basins can clog the drain, causing flooding
and becoming a potential breeding ground for rodents and insects.
Additionally, when this material reaches our waterways, it decomposes and
robs the surrounding water of oxygen that is needed for aquatic life.
Q: Is
there a fine/penalty for illegal dumping?
A: Yes. The fine will vary depending on which local or state
agency assesses the fine.
Q: What kinds of educational programs or informational materials does
the County offer for students?
A: The Community Outreach Efforts of the Stormwater Management
Program provides information on storm water pollution prevention to 5th
and 6th grade students in both public and private schools. The
45-minute program includes a short video, an overview of the water cycle,
information on water conservation and a discussion on how students can
help their families reduce stormwater pollution. Each student
receives an activity booklet and stickers to reinforce the stormwater
message. There is no charge to the class for the program.
At the high school level, the City of Stockton and San Joaquin County have
partnered for stream clean-up projects. In the classroom, students
are instructed on the importance of water. The students then take
the lessons out into the community by “adopting” a portion of a nearby
waterway to learn more about what's in the water, how it got there and its
effect on the ecosystem. The students are encouraged to write
essays, create slogans and posters as part of their expanded knowledge of
the importance of water.
The program culminates in a four-hour weekend stream
clean up to remove trash and discarded items such as tires and shopping
carts from the waterway. The City, County and other agencies provide
the supplies and support for the clean-up effort. To recognize the
efforts of the students, a sign is permanently posted at the clean-up site
with any logo or slogan created by the students. In addition, the
students and school will receive recognition from the City Council and
Board of Supervisors for their efforts. There is no charge to the
students or school for this partnership effort.
For more information on these and other outreach
programs, please contact the Stormwater Management Program at (209)
468-3073.
Q: I have often seen stencils over the catch basins. How do I get
a stencil for a catch basin near me?
A: The storm drain stencils are part of the outreach efforts of the
Stormwater Management Program. Local youth groups, civic
organizations, school clubs, and other interested groups are welcome to
take part in this community service effort. Materials will be
provided for the project by the County. The County will work with
the group in deciding locations for the stenciling project.
For more information on these and other outreach programs, please contact
the Stormwater Management Program at (209) 468-3073, or e-mail tpugh@co.san-joaquin.ca.us.
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