In addition, random inspections of businesses will be conducted during this period. Last December and January, the copper concentration was as much as ten times higher than the daily averages, and caused the Plant to exceed its allowable daily discharge limit. The investigation did not uncover any illicit copper discharges or identify any unknown businesses or industrial practices which could have led to the high copper values. Because no single source could be identified, the industrial waste investigators believe that ramped-up maintenance by a significant number of businesses could have resulted in the large copper increase. Copper, while naturally occurring, can upset the marine life in San Francisco Bay when levels increase.
Copper is toxic to organisms at the base of the Bay's food chain.
Local governments, industry, and businesses have been working collaboratively for over ten years to reduce or eliminate many sources of copper and other metals to the Bay. When servicing cooling towers, chillers, or other HVAC equipment, containerize any wastewater for proper disposal. The Regional Water Quality Control Plant is operated by the City of Palo Alto for the East Palo Alto Sanitation District, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Stanford.