What is NPDES?
The Clean Water Act of 1987 established requirements for storm water discharges under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The goals of the permit include protecting the beneficial uses of the water bodies and reducing stormwater pollution.
Polluted stormwater degrades our creeks and ocean. Sediments cloud the water, nutrients promote the growth of algae and toxic chemicals from pesticides or leaking cars all threaten the health of fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria and parasites from pet waste and leaking septic tanks can make our ocean unsafe for swimming and surfing.
The NPDES permitmandates stormwater management programs to address the challenges of preventing stormwater pollution.Under this permit, the City is held accountable for water quality in our creeks and ocean.
The permit sets out strict requirements for stormwater pollution prevention, particularly in the areas of construction and developement. It also addresses pollutant sources from commercial activities.
The city is responsible for street sweeping, cleaning out catch basins and public storm drains and terminating any illicit discharges that enter our receiving waters.
A municipal NPDES permit is issued every five years, with the latestin December 2001.
To read a copy of the current NPDES permitclick the link below.