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Storm Water Pollution Prevention:
It’s Up to Us
Storm drains transport water directly to local creeks and San Francisco Bay, without treatment. Storm water pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for people who live near polluted streams or bay lands. Some common sources of this pollution include spilled oil, fuel, and fluids from vehicles and heavy equipment; construction debris and sediment created by erosion, landscaping runoff containing pesticides or weed killers; and materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, and paint products that people pour or spill into streets or storm drains.
Storm Drains
All City storm drain pipes drain into our creeks, the Petaluma River and eventually into the San Pablo Bay. Only storm water should enter catch basins (e.g., openings in curbs). Anyone seen dumping anything (oil, caustic items, or any other items) into a storm drain, creek or the river should be reported to the Petaluma Police Department immediately at 778-4372.
These illicit discharges should also be reported to the Department of Water Resources and Conservation at 778-4546.
Landscaping/Foundation Work Best Management Practices
Intensive gardening, landscaping, and all excavation projects such as foundation repair or pool construction expose soils and increase the likelihood that garden chemicals and earth will wash into the storm drains. Be careful to control erosion and minimize runoff to all driveways, gutters, and storm drains.
 Schedule grading and excavation projects during dry weather.
Cover excavated material and stockpiles of asphalt, sand, etc. with plastic tarps during the rainy season.
Replant as soon as possible, with temporary vegetation such as annual grass seed if necessary. Revegetation provides excellent erosion control.
Take care not to over apply pesticides, and use up leftover supply. Rinse empty containers, and use rinse water as you would use the product. Dispose of empty rinsed containers in the trash.
Dispose of unused pesticide as hazardous waste.
Collect lawn and garden clippings, pruning waste, and tree trimmings. Many cities and landfills have yard waste collection and composting programs. Check with your municipality to see if yard waste pickup is available and what the collection requirements are.
In areas with curbside pickup of yard waste place clippings and pruning waste in approved bags or containers.
Do not blow or rake leaves, etc. into the street, or place yard waste in gutters or on dirt shoulders.
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