Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention

Environmental protection isn’t just for the tree huggers...it’s for those of us who treasure our way of life. With more than 28,000 homes and 60,000 residents, it’s easy to see that homeowners are the largest contributors to San Clemente’s water pollution. What may seem insignificant at your home can cause an overwhelming problem at the beach. By changing the way we do things in and around the house, we may actually stop most pollution at its source! 

By educating yourself about what causes stormwater pollution, you are on the right path to preventing it. A few basic tenets:

- Don't dump waste in storm drains.
- Keep yard clippings out of the street. 
- Use and dispose of household chemicals properly. 
- Clean up oil spills and fix leaking automobiles.
- Sweep driveways clean instead of hosing them down, and dispose of debris in the trash.

Before you pour anything into the gutter or down the drain, stop and think! Storm drains go directly into channels and creeks to the ocean. What may seem like a minor problem at your home can cause a major problem in the ocean.

Household Hazardous Waste

NEW! Curbside Household Hazardous Waste collection for San Clemente residents. 

Go to http://oclandfills.com/hazardous to learn how to use Orange County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers.

Here’s the test

When wondering whether or not something is appropriate for the storm drain system, ask yourself: Would I Swim in This?

Home Maintenance

• Buy less toxic household cleaners and use small quantities. This is better for your health and your pocket book!
• Take household hazardous materials and containers to a hazardous material collection center.
• If you must clean with a hose, make sure the water drains to your lawn, not to the street.
• When remodeling, make sure that nothing is leaving your property-except clean storm water in the event of rain.
• Don’t assume that your contractor knows all the facts! You are ultimately responsible for your property.
• Move your vehicle on street sweeping day.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink.

Residential Construction Activities

• Construction materials, dirt, trash and wash water must not be allowed to enter the gutter, street or storm drain.
• All stockpiles must be covered and surrounded with perimeter controls.
• Materials should be stored inside or in a covered and protected area.
• Trash bins or dumpsters must be covered during rains and at the end of each day.
• Litter and loose debris is not be permitted.
• Appropriate steps must be taken to prevent materials from leaving the property.
• Erosion and sediment controls must be implemented.
• Designate areas away from catch basins for port-a-potties, stockpiles and concrete wash outs.
• Construction is a messy business, therefore washing the site down with water is not allowed unless all water is contained, collected and properly disposed of.

Pool Construction/ Maintenance 

• Pool and spa drains must be plumbed to the sewer, not the street.
• Water from pool construction / maintenance is never allowed to enter the gutter, street or storm drain.
• If draining a pool, it is recommended that the property owner contact the sewage treatment plant at (949) 366-1553 for further direction.  This water may be directed into the sewer under specific direction.

Automotive

• Commercial vehicle washers must contain and properly dispose of all materials and wash water.

• Residents are allowed to wash vehicles in driveways so long as the water leaving the location is clear and colorless.  Some helpful suggestions include:

• Minimize water by using an on/off nozzle (required).
• Use less soap, your car will actually be cleaner.
• Never hose off brake dust or engine components at home...use a car wash.
• When in doubt, collect the water with a shop vac or towels.
• Pour excess soap on or in garden.
• Have your car maintained regularly to prevent oil, antifreeze and other fluid leaks.
• Clean up spills with rags or kitty litter.
• Recycle used oil and antifreeze by taking them to service stations or other recycling centers.
• Never put used oil or other chemicals down storm drains or in drainage ditches. (One quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons of drinking water!)

Lawn & Garden

• Don't over-water your lawn. Once water begins to run off you’re using too much. The excess overflow is a primary carrier of debris, lawn waste, pet waste and other pesticides into the storm drains and eventually to the ocean.
• Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers sparingly in accordance with label instructions.
• Do not apply any chemicals before rain.
• Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings.
• Lawn clipping actually make the best (and least expensive) fertilizer.
• Put leaves and clippings in a trashcan or a compost pile, and throw trash or other debris in the garbage.
• If you elect to use a professional lawn care service, select a company that employs trained technicians and follows practices designed to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Remember, you are responsible for your landscaper.
• Turn off automatic sprinkler systems in winter.
• Install drip irrigation.

Pet Care

• It’s simple: clean up after your pets. Pet waste contains nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate surface water.
• Wash your pets on a grass area so the waste water can be used as irrigation.

Smokers

• Make sure they are completely out/extinguished and then throw your butts in the trash, not the street.
• Throw all empty packaging into the trash as well.

Report Spills

• San Clemente’s 24-hour pollution reporting hotline - (949) 366-1553.
• Emergencies - 911.

You can also help by participating in recycling, beach clean-ups, and the proper disposal of hazardous materials.

 BMPs for Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and Common Interest Areas (CIAs)

Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and Common Interest Areas (CIAs) represent a large portion of the city. The runoff from these areas can be substantial, with the potential to greatly impact local beaches, parks and open space. HOAs and CIAs manage large landscaped areas, including parks and slopes, and private streets. If these areas are not managed appropriately, they could contribute to the degradation of San Clemente’s natural resources. 

Make sure landscaping contractors are aware of the environmental regulations by updating the contract language. Require and obtain copies of all environmental training and certifications. Oftentimes, HOAs and CIAs spend more money on irrigation than on any other common expenditure. Rebates exist to help update your irrigation system to make use of weather and vegetation information saving you up to 40%.

HOA/CIA  Landscaping

• All greenwaste must be collected and disposed of properly, preferably to a compost facility.
• No materials may be washed or blown into the street or storm drain.
• Is your landscaper IPM (Integrated Pest Management) certified? Limiting pesticide and fertilizer usage can improve the look of your community and save you money!
• You get what you pay for! Be cautious when choosing landscapers by price alone. Check training and specialties as well. A smart landscaper can save you a lot of money in the long run.

HOA Residential Car Washing and other Allowable Discharges

• Homeowners may wash their own vehicles on their own property.  
• Commercial vehicle washers must contain and properly dispose of all materials and wash water.

HOA/CIA Construction Activities

• Construction materials, dirt, trash and wash water must not be allowed to enter the gutter, street or storm drain.
• All stockpiles must be covered and surrounded with perimeter controls.
• Materials should be stored inside or in a covered and protected area.
• Trash bins or dumpsters must be covered during rains and at the end of each day.
• Litter and loose debris is not permitted.
• Appropriate steps must be taken to prevent materials from leaving the property.
• Erosion and sediment controls must be implemented.
• Areas away from catch basins should be designated for port-a-potties, stockpiles and concrete wash out.
• Construction is a messy business, therefore washing the site down with water is not allowed unless all water is contained/collected and properly disposed of.

HOA Pool Construction/ Maintenance

• Pool and spa drains must be plumbed to the sewer, not the street.
• Water from pool construction / maintenance is never allowed to enter the gutter, street or storm drain.
• If draining a pool, it is recommended that the property owner contact the sewage treatment plant at (949) 366-1553 for further direction. The water may be directed into the sewer under specific direction.

Schedule a Presentation

If your HOA would like more information on any of the above topics, you can schedule a presentation by calling (949) 361-8354.

BMPs for your Business

San Clemente boasts a wide variety of businesses including retail, entertainment, wholesale, light manufacturing, food services, automotive repair, technology, health care, etc. San Clemente takes pride in encouraging the growth and production of local goods for its residents and surrounding community. Businesses and the environment of San Clemente are mutually dependent. Businesses play a key role in the preservation of San Clemente’s natural resources and the health of the natural resources plays a key role in the success of our businesses.  Individual businesses have individual solutions. Ask yourself, would you swim in the water running off your property?

Some businesses require coverage under the General Industrial Stormwater Permit.See if this applies to you.

Some common BMPs for businesses in San Clemente include:

• Use a broom, mop or rags instead of a hose to clean. If you really need to use water, just make sure it’s collected with a towel or shop vac and never allowed to run off the property.
• Store materials indoors if possible, otherwise, cover with a tarp or canopy.
• Keep outside areas (dumpsters, parking lots, loading areas, etc.) free of trash and debris.
• Never perform automotive work outdoors.
• Floor mats, machinery and other tools-of-the-trade should be cleaned inside.
• Never pour mop water in the gutter, street or storm drain.
• Routinely clean and inspect all storm drain inlets on your property. Throw any solid material collected in the trash.
• Inspect, clean and maintain all grease traps, interceptors, clarifiers and oil and grease separators.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous waste.  http://oclandfills.com/hazardous

Resources for Food Establishments Related to Fats, Oil & Grease

Water Quality Information Related to Construction