Why Stormwater Matters?
 

The City of Vallejo has two drainage systems, the sanitary sewer and the storm drain. The storm drain system was designed to prevent flooding by carrying excess rainwater away from city streets out to local creeks, rivers and the Bay. Most people are not aware that stormwater does not receive any type of treatment before it enters the Bay.

When it rains, debris and other pollutants are collected by the rainwater and carried directly into the storm drain system. Even when it doesn't rain, dirty water from washing cars and lawn runoff contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides are easily carried through the storm drain system and to the Bay. When you include all the fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, used motor oil, antifreeze, and pet droppings, pollution from the storm drain becomes a big problem.

The largest source of storm water pollution in Vallejo is the general public and each of us can contribute to the problem without even realizing it. Since we all rely on clean water for life's needs, preventing storm water pollution is everyone's responsibility.

The District's Stormwater Program

The Environmental Services Department is responsible for implementing the District's Stormwater Program. The program was established in 1991 as a requirement of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This permit requires the District to implement controls designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being discharged into the Bay via Vallejo's streets and the storm drain system.

Our program utilizes a variety of methods to educate and inform the public about storm water pollution. In addition, we make recommendations to businesses and residents that can help reduce storm water pollution. Current efforts include stenciling or marking storm drain inlets to remind citizens not to dump pollutants down the drain; inspection of commercial and industrial businesses with a potential of polluting runoff; cleaning and maintenance of storm drain system throughout the year; identification and elimination of illegal dumping to the storm drain; and, implementation of a pubic outreach program.

  

What You Can Do To Help

Many of the day-to-day activities, which we all take for granted can contribute to storm water pollution. We can all do our fair share to keep our Bay and local waterways free from pollution by following these tips.

 Using Household Chemicals
 
* Use less toxic or non-toxic chemicals whenever possible.
* Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use, and apply them only as directed.
* Take unwanted household chemicals to your hazardous waste collection center.
* Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
 
Landscape and Gardening Practices

Landscape with plants that discourage pests and have low requirements for water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Minimize high maintenance grassy areas and preserve existing landscape to prevent erosion.

Leave lawn clippings on your lawn to recycle nutrients and conserve landfill space.

Compost and mulch yard trimmings to make a valuable soil condition and retain moisture.

 Minimize Storm Water Runoff from Your Property

Limit the amount of impervious surfaces in your landscape.
Use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, and concrete lattice to allow water to soak into the ground.
Where possible, direct runoff from impervious surfaces across vegetated areas.
Allow "thick" vegetation or "buffer strips" to grow alongside waterways to filter and slow runoff and soak up pollutants.
Plants, trees, shrubs, and groundcover will absorb up to fourteen times more rainwater than a grass lawn and they don't require fertilizer.

Miscellaneous Practices
Wash your car using a nozzle that stops the flow of water when you're not rinsing the car.
Keep your car free from leaks and recycle your used motor oil and anti-freeze.
Don't use a hose to clean driveways and other paved surfaces, use a broom instead.
Don't let pet droppings accumulate in your yard.
Never dump anything into the storm drain.

  
Did You Know? 
 Water entering the Vallejo storm drain system flows UNTREATED to local creeks, rivers and the Bay.

Rain and irrigation water are the most significant sources of water pollution to the San Francisco Bay.

Pouring waste down the storm drain has a direct and severe impact on our environment.

One pint of oil can cause an oil slick about the size of two football fields.

About 1 MILLION gallons of water can be contaminated by just one gallon of

motor oil.

You can make a difference by doing your fair share to prevent storm water pollution.

Illegal Dumping and Stormwater Pollution
Illegal dumping in the streets and in the storm drain system is one of the largest contributors to water pollution in the country. Our local creeks and waterways are often easy targets for illegal dumping and convenient trash disposal.

Soiled diapers, shopping carts, yard waste and used oil containers are just some of the many items tossed into Vallejo's creeks and waterways. When it rains, water runoff will carry these items UNTREATED through the storm drain system and eventually the Bay.

Please help us to protect our local creeks and the Bay by reporting illegal dumping. Call Doug Scott at 644-8949 ext. 260.

 Need More Information?
Please give us a call if you would like to know more about the District's Stormwater Program or requirements. Our friendly and knowledgeable employees will be more than happy to assist you.

 Program Contact
Lance Barnett
450 Ryder Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
707.644.8949 ext 269

Click here to learn more about our Pre-Treatment Program

© 2005 Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District