We have programs for safe construction practices, safe business practices, illicit discharge inspections, street sweeping and regular maintenance of the storm drain system. One important part of our program is to educate people about how rainwater and runoff lift and transport pollutants to the ocean without the benefit of treatment. Pollution caused by humans, pets, livestock, businesses, agriculture and other sources are carried by waterways straight to the ocean. During recent cleanings of storm drains, we found a lot of yard clippings that had been left in street gutters and washed into the storm drain system. These clippings block the flow of water and rot in the storm drain system.
Rain then washes the polluted water to the ocean.
Each of us must make sure to dispose of yard clippings in the green-waste container, not the gutter. Within our urban environment, pet waste is a primary pollutant of concern. It would help if we all did a better job of disposing of pet waste. It should be disposed of in a covered garbage can or into a toilet. Pet wastes contain unusually high concentrations of harmful bacteria and can have a significant impact on our water quality.