WHAT
IS STORM WATER?
Storm water is water from precipitation that flows across the ground
and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps
into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers. These are the
drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of your
streets. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff
and is a concern to us in commercial and industrial sites as well as
your neighborhood because of the pollutants it carries.
WHERE
DOES THE STORM WATER GO AFTER IT DRAINS INTO A STORM DRAIN?
Storm water that does not seep into the ground, drains into systems of
underground pipes and eventually to a channel, creek, river, lake, or
ocean.
WHAT
ARE COMMON CONTRIBUTORS TO STORM WATER POLLUTION?
When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides, silt and other
pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and
streets into storm drains and then directly to nearby waterways! The
following items specify everyday pollutants occurring at our homes,
businesses, and construction sites.
RESIDENTIAL
Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by storm water,
contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our river.
Please clean up after your pet.
Vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze are the #1 surface
water quality problems nationwide. Recycle used oil in a clean, sealed,
plastic container and take to your nearby participating auto parts
store.
SWEEP! Because Hosing off pavements can wash pollutants
into storm drains leading straight to the river.
Deliver old paint, pesticides, solvents and batteries to a hazardous
waste drop off facility.
Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented
from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not
littering.
Yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves can be
composted and used for fertilizer around the yard.
CONSTRUCTION
Waste from chemicals and materials used in construction can wash into
channels leading to our river during rainy weather. Soil that erodes
from construction sites can contribute to environmental degradation.
Listed below are other harmful contributors from the construction site.
Clearing and grubbing, excavations and other grading operations can
cause fine silts to enter waterways. Silts and other suspended solids
clog fish gills, damage fish habitat and block the light needed for the
plants to survive. Once plants and the lower organism die, the entire
food chain is destroyed.
Wash waters from concrete mixers should be disposed of back at the
contractors site or a large hole, big enough to contain all the wash
waters. Never rinse out concrete truck chutes with a hose and allow to
run down the street gutter into the storm drains.
Waste storage for used oils, solvents and other hazardous fluids must
be under cover with secondary containment in case of a spill and to
prevent rainfall from contact which would wash hazardous fluids into
nearby waterways.
Landscaping and earthmoving pollutants include planting, excavation,
tilling, masonry and concrete, solid wastes such as trees and shrubs,
soil additives and revegetation of graded areas, all contribute to soil
erosion.
Straw wattle to hold back loose soil and sand when it gets windy allows
sand and soils to stay out of street gutters where rainwater can wash
it into storm drains.
Vehicle and equipment maintenance becomes a significant factor when
engine repairs or preventive maintenance such as changing oil and other
fluids occurs at the construction site. Maintain a "dry site" by using
off site facilities, performing work in designated areas only,
providing cover for materials stored outside, containing and cleaning
up spills immediately, and training employees and subcontractors.
The
Town of Paradise follows the Best Management Practices for storm water
pollution prevention and erosion control measures adopted by Caltrans.
Some of the more common measures taken from the Construction Site Best
Management Practice Field Manual and Troubleshooting Guide are listed
as follows:
1.
Sediment Basins
2. Check Dams
3. Fiber Rolls or Straw wattle
4. Gravel Bags
5. Street Sweeping
6. Storm Drain Inlet Protection (Sand or Gravel bags)
WHAT
IS STORM WATER?