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Stormwater Quality Management
Stormwater Quality Management Plan
In compliance with state and federal requirements, the City of Auburn has developed a Stormwater Management Program. Under this program, the City aims to prevent stormwater pollution, protect and enhance water quality in creeks and waterways, preserve beneficial uses of local waterways, and educate the public about stormwater impacts as well as best management practices (BMPs) when disposing of pollutants.
Under this program, the City educates the community in stormwater pollution prevention, regulates stormwater run-off from construction sites, investigates non-stormwater discharges and reduces non-stormwater runoff from its own municipal operations.
Stormwater discharges to local creeks from the City’s stormwater conveyance system are regulated under the State’s General Permit for Small Separate Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4). The General Permit effectively prohibits the discharge of materials other than storm water except those that are “authorized” or those permitted by a separate State permit. Through the implementation of best management practices (BMPs), contaminant loads in both stormwater and non-stormwater discharges are reduced.
- What is a Storm Drain System?
- Common Pollutants and Proper Disposal
- Discharge and Runoff Impacts
- How Can I Help?
- Useful Information
Every time it rains, water flows down the gutter into the storm drain and out to the creek. This flow of water is stormwater. Water flowing into our creek doesn’t just come from rain, other discharges called “non-stormwater runoff” come from a variety of places, such as over watering a lawn, hosing down a driveway, and even washing a car. Water entering the storm drain system is untreated and has the potential to carry contaminants and be polluted. These pollutants harm our local creeks, streams, and wildlife. As rainwater and other discharges flow across the ground they pick up harmful contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides and dirt. When the rainwater hits our streets, the water mixes with waste oil, automotive fluids and plant debris. Unlike the wastewater we put down our sinks and toilets, stormwater flows to our waterways untreated. Stormwater pollution prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Common pollutants that can contaminate stormwater are motor oil, paint, pesticides, brake dust, pet and car washes, and household chemicals.
Proper disposal of these pollutants is essential to ensure water entering local waterways is clean and as natural as possible.
Not sure where to properly dispose of pollutants? Check out CalRecycle's map of public recycling locations to learn about disposal locations near you!
When it rains, water moving towards storm drains and catch basins pick up pollutants and contaminants that then make their way to local waterways. Polluted runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the United States. Pollutants and contaminants can harm local vegetation and wildlife in local aquatic ecosystems, cause erosion and property damage, increase algal growth, and cloud water.
There are many ways we can all keep our stormwater clean! Whether you are a part of the general public, a business owner, a homeowner, or even a student, pollution prevention should always be a priority.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) at Construction Sites
The issuance of the State General Permit includes requirements for all new and redeveloped projects, namely, the inclusion of Low Impact Design (LID) elements, and hydromodification requirements. In an effort to provide a consistent approach to the design requirements of the State General Permit, the City of Auburn partnered with Placer County, the city of Roseville, the city of Lincoln, and the town of Loomis to produce the West Placer Storm Water Quality Design Manual and templates.
City of Auburn Ordinances Pertaining to Stormwater
Useful Links
There are many local organizations that are aiding in this effort. Check out their resources at the links below.
- Western Placer Waste Management Authority: https://wpwma.ca.gov/
- UC Davis Master Gardener Program: https://mg.ucanr.edu/
- California State Water Board: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/stormwater/
- California Department of Pesticide Regulation: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/
Useful Documents
- City of Auburn Stormwater Management Plan
- City of Auburn Pyrethroid Plan