Reporting Spills

Car Fluids

Prevention:

Fix all car leaks as soon as possible. Place a drip pan under the vehicle while it is parked. Never dump used car fluids into the storm system.

Typical Source:

Car fluid spills can come from leaking cars, car accidents or dumping.

Proper Disposal & Cleanup:

Use cat litter to soak up small spills of oil, sweep up and dispose of in the trash. Uncontaminated motor oil can be recycled at local auto part stores and recycling facilities. Dispose of large amounts of car fluids at the Regional Transfer Station. 

Impact:

Pollution from improper disposal and dumping can affect fresh and salt water receiving waters.

Suds

Prevention:

Whenever possible, wash cars on grass or a place where the water will not run into the storm system, or use a commercial car wash where the runoff is specially handled. 

Typical Source:

Some foams are natural in streams and on shorelines. Foam or suds from soap or detergent is usually brighter white and accompanied with a soapy smell. Sources include car washing, failing septic systems, or spills.

Proper Disposal & Cleanup:

When possible, dispose of soapy water into a wastewater system. 

Impact:

All soaps can be harmful to the environment. Biodegradable does not mean non-toxic, it may take a long time for a "biodegradable soap" to break down.

Debris

Prevention:

Proper Best Management Practices (BMP's) for building sites, like silt fencing, wheel washes, and limiting exposed areas, limits the dirty water leaving the site.

Some construction activities, like washed aggregate driveways, can be more of a challenge to contain - but with a little planning, the water can be kept on site as required. 

Typical Source:

Often, construction sites have a lot of bare soil, which can easily lead to erosion. Muddy water can leave the site many ways: piped discharge, vehicle track-out, pressure washing, and sheet flow.

Proper Disposal and Cleanup:

All contaminated runoff from the site must be treated before entering the storm system or natural waterway. 

Impact:

Turbid water from construction sites can degrade fish habitat and inhibit survival. Excess sedimentation can clog pipes, which can lead to flooding.

Sewage

Prevention:

Regularly pump your septic tank. Know where your drains lead, gray water discharges are serious pollution sources and are sometimes not connected properly to septic or sewer. 

Typical Source:

Failing septic systems can discharge directly into the storm system. Wastewater pipes can break or be misconnected during construction. Usually sewage has a strong smell, sometimes looks sudsy and can have solids present.

Proper Disposal & Cleanup:

Avoid contact with possible sewer or septic leaks. For home septic systems, call a pumping or maintenance professional. Public owned systems are usually fixed and cleaned up by the City.

Impact:

Septic and sewer system releases can be serious sources of pathogens and contaminants. Even small leaks can close beaches to recreation and shellfish harvest.

Litter And Trash

Prevention:

Keep your load covered and secured when on the road, and never throw trash out the window. 

Typical Source:

Solid waste can clog a storm system and cause flooding. Depending on the waste, it can include other hazardous materials like oil, paint, etc. 

Proper Disposal & Cleanup:

All trash should be disposed of at drop-off facilities, or during normal waste pickup. 

Impact:

Metals and other toxins can leach from trash left out in the rain.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Prevention:

Plan maintenance well in advance to ensure proper disposal. 

Typical Sources:

The draining of pools and hot tubs can flush chlorinated water into surface waters.

Proper Disposal & Cleanup:

Allow water to sit until there is no trace of chlorine and it is at air temperature. If possible, send water to a wastewater system. Call your Stormwater utility for a conditional permit. 

Impact:

Chlorinated water can kill or harm plants and animals.