What is Storm Water?

The water that flows into our streets and storm drains from rainstorms, garden hoses, sprinklers or other water sources is called STORMWATER. This water NEVER goes to a wastewater treatment plant to be cleaned. It flows directly into our local waterways, carrying with it pollutants from yards, streets, driveways and other impermeable surfaces.

What is Storm Water pollution?

Runoff from rainstorms is called storm water. Storm water becomes polluted by flowing over dirty surfaces, such as parking lots. Storm water pollution also takes place when someone dumps materials, like oil or paint, directly into the storm drain. Polluted storm water flows without treatment directly to creeks and rivers, where it can be harmful to aquatic life.

What are catch basins or storm drain inlets?

Catch basins and storm drain inlets are curbside receptacles whose sole function is to catch surface water runoff from rainfall and deliver it to the storm drain system, where it's eventually delivered to local creeks and rivers.

Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No. Storm drains and sanitary sewers have two distinct functions. Storm drains are intended to collect and transport runoff from rainfall. Storm drain systems do not remove pollutants from water before it is discharged into streams and rivers. These are typically the drains found in streets and in parking lots. Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing such as toilets, sinks, washing machines and floor drains and take it to a sewage treatment plant. The treatment plant removes many pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged to the river.

Do drain inlets get cleaned out?

Yes. City crews maintain approximately 50 miles of storm drain pipelines citywide.

Why doesn't the City clean out all of the storm drain inlets right before a storm?

There are too many for City crews to clean in a short period of time. Storm drain inlets are maintained on a year-round schedule.

Why doesn't the City install filters or screens in front of drain inlets?

It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, trash is quickly swept into drain inlets. Any screen or filtration device placed in front of the drain inlet would cause trash to accumulate and clog the grate, preventing proper drainage and potentially creating a flood hazard. City maintenance crews would be unable to keep up with cleaning these devices potentially creating flooding hazards. However there are new technologies being developed in the form of filtration or screening devices to be installed and inserted inside catch basins. The Storm Water Program Engineering groups are always evaluating these new technologies for possible future use.

What types of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?

Heavy metals, paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, human and animal feces, antifreeze, and dead animals - are but a few examples of the pollutants typically found in the storm drain system.

What is the City of Ripon doing about illegal dumping?

The City's Storm Water Ordinance makes it an environmental crime to knowingly dump or discharge hazardous materials into the storm drain system and the City can impose fines on violators when they are caught.

I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time. What can I do?

Dumping used oil into the storm drain system is illegal. One gallon of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. To report the problem, call 599-2108. All city residents can recycle their used, uncontaminated motor oil free. Contact the Public Works Department at 599-2151 or the Police Department at 599-2102.

What should I do if I see a neighbor, or know someone who's throwing trash into a storm drain?

Storm drains are designed for catching rain water only. Dumping trash or other pollutants down storm drain inlets is illegal and is a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the City of Ripon's Storm Water Ordinance. If a neighbor is disposing of trash in the storm drain, they may not understand that drain inlets directly connect to our creeks and rivers. If you have an amicable relationship with your neighbor, it may be just a matter of informing and making them aware of its environmental impact. If it is someone who you feel is knowingly violating and repeatedly dumping into storm drains, please call the City of Ripon 599-2108.

I have some paint/thinners/chemicals/batteries at home that need to be disposed of. Where can I take these?

Paints, paint thinner, chemicals and batteries are all household hazardous waste that need proper disposal.

If you are a resident or business owner living within San Joaquin County you can take your household hazardous waste materials to a Household Hazardous Waste event, or to the Hazardous Waste Facility at 7850 South R.A. Bridgeford Street off of Dixon Drive at the Stockton Airport

Call (800) 449-4840 for drop off times, locations, or for more information.

What is the fine/penalty for illegal dumping?

Fines and penalties are based on type and amount of illegally discharged material. Each violation can be based on, but not limited to, a cost recovery fine and/or enforcement fine.

How can I be environmentally responsible when washing my car?

The best place to wash your car is over a lawn or gravel area. Use biodegradable soaps to wash your vehicle, using as little water as possible. Shut off water while washing your car, or use a trigger nozzle to stop the flow. Remember not to leave your car on the lawn. We would highly recommend going to a full or self service car wash since these facilities use recycled water.

Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems, right?

Grass, leaves and yard clippings that are repeatedly swept into catch basins can clog the drain, causing flooding and the potential for becoming a breeding ground for rodents and insects. Additionally, when grass and leaves decompose they encourage excessive growth of algae which can deprive fish of adequate oxygen.

Household Hazardous Waste

San Joaquin County has opened a permanent collection facility for Household Hazardous Waste. It is located at 7850 South R.A. Bridgeford St off of Dixon Drive at the Stockton airport. It is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00am until 3:00pm. They will accept paint, oil, antifreeze, pool chemicals, pesticides, household cleaners, transmission fluid, solvents, varnishes and medical waste. There is no charge for disposal. 

Never mix any chemicals. Make sure that all liquids are in sealed containers. Transport materials in the trunk of your car or bed of your pick up truck....not in the cab. Do not transport more than 15 gallons at one time. For further information you can contact the County Solid Waste Division at 468-3066

Notice to Construction Permittees

Background: Storm water discharges associated with construction activity are a potential source of pollutants. The most common pollutant associated with construction activity is sediment. Sediment and other construction related wastes could degrade water quality in creeks, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. In 1992, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a statewide General Permit for all storm water discharges associated with construction activity that disturbs five or more acres of land. The General Permit is intended to ensure that construction activity does not impact water quality. 

Modifications have been made to the General Permit that are effective March 10, 2003. On March 10, 2003 all construction sites disturbing one or more acres of land will be required to obtain permit coverage.

 

Storm Water Permit Requirement FAQs

• How do I know if I need this permit?
• Who should apply, and who is the proper signatory?
• What are the fees associated with the Permit?
• Where do I send the NOI application?
• Who should I contact if I have questions? 

 

How do I know if I need this permit?

Construction activity resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more, or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development or sale must obtain a Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit (General Permit). Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement of soil. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance such as, maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility.

Who should apply, and who is the proper signatory?

The General Permit currently states the owner of the land where the construction activity is occurring is responsible for obtaining a permit and for signing the certification statement on the Notice of Intent (NOI). Language in Section C 9: "Signatory Requirements" allows a duly authorized representative to sign documents including the NOI.

What are the fees associated with the Permit?

The fee is calculated by the acre. Contact the state for a current fee schedule. You will continue to receive an annual invoice until your project is complete and a Notice of Termination is submitted and approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Where do I send the NOI application?

Mail a complete NOI package including: the original signed NOI, site map, and appropriate fee to the State Water Resources Control Board at the following address:

Regular Mail:

State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Quality
Attn: Storm Water Section
PO Box 1977
Sacramento, CA 95812-1977 

Fedex or other overnight mail:

State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Quality
Attn: Storm Water Section
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 

Who should I contact if I have questions? 

If you have any questions concerning the General Permit please email the State Water Resources Control Board at stormwater@swrcb.ca.gov or call (916) 341-5537.

California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region:  /www.swrcb.ca.gov/~rwqcb5/

Brett Stevens 
(916) 255-3442
stevenb@rb5s.swrcb.ca.gov

Information is also available at the SWRCB web site: www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtr/construction.html

Construction Best Management Practice Manual – This BMP manual, created by the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), has a Microsoft Word Document Template that you can download to create your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. 

New Development and Redevelopment Best Management Practice Manual – This BMP manual was also created by CASQA. It is an excellent tool for project planning and design.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about storm water pollution and how to prevent it.