City of Carson on Facebook City of Carson on Twitter Find us on Social Media
City Hall Hours: (310) 830-7600, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Thu.
Page Banner
Home :: City Departments :: Economic Development :: Planning :: Environmental Services :: Pollution Prevention Project :: The Ocean Begins at Your Front Door
-A   +A

Pollution Prevention Project

 
The Ocean Begins at Your Front Door
English          Spanish/Español
The Ocean Begins at your Front Door Did you Know?
  • Most people believe that the largest source of water pollution in urban areas comes from specific sources such as factories and sewage treatment plants. In fact, the largest source of water pollution comes from city streets, neighborhoods, construction sites, and parking lots. This type of pollution is sometimes called “non-point source” pollution.
  • There are two types of non-point source pollution: stormwater and urban runoff pollution.
  • Stormwater runoff refers to runoff resulting from rainfall. It is very noticeable during heavy rainstorms when large volumes of water drain off the urban landscape picking up pollutants along the way.
  • Urban runoff can happen anytime of the year when excessive water use from irrigation, vehicle washing and other sources carries trash, lawn clippings and other urban pollutants into storm drains.
Where does it go? Sources of Non-Point Source Pollution
  • Anything we use outside homes, vehicles and businesses-like motor oil, pain, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaners-can be blown or washed into the storm drains.
  • A little water from a garden hose or rain can also send materials into the storm drains.
  • Storm drains are separate from our sanitary sewer systems; unlike water in sanitary sewers (from sinks or toilets) water in the storm drains is not treated before entering our waterways.
  • Automotive leaks and spills.
  • Improper disposal of used oil and other engine fluids.
  • Metals found in vehicle exhaust, weathered paint, rust, metal plating, and tires.
  • Pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, gardens and farms.
  • Improper disposal of cleaners, paint and paint removers.
  • Soil erosion and dust debris from landscape and construction activities.
  • Litter lawn clippings, animal waste and other organic matter.
  • Oil stains on parking lots and paved surfaces.
 
The Effect on the Ocean  
  • Non-point source pollution can have a serious impact on water quality in Los Angeles County. Pollutants from the storm drain system can harm marine life as well as coastal and wetland habitats. They can also degrade recreation areas such as beaches, harbors and bays.
  • Stormwater quality management programs have been developed by the L.A. County Stormwater Program under Nation Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The program educates and encourages the public to protect water quality, monitor runoff in the storm drain system, manage NPDES permit process for municipalities, investigate illegal disposals, and maintain storm drains.
  • The support of L.A. County residents, businesses and industries is needed to improve water quality and reduce the threat of stormwater and urban runoff pollution. Proper use and disposal of materials we use everyday will help stop this form of pollution before it reaches the storm drain and the ocean.
 
Where to Call ?
Obtaining an Industrial Waste Permit: Los Angeles County
Environmental Programs Division
Industrial Waste
(626) 458-3517
 
For Recycling & Hazardous Waste Disposal, Spill Response Agencies & Report Illegal Dumping Call: City of Carson
Dept. of Public Works
(310)847-3529
 
For More Information
 
 

 
City Hall Address: 701 E Carson Street, Carson, California 90745
City Hall Hours: (310) 830-7600, 7 AM - 6 PM, Monday - Thursday
24-hour automated: (310) 952-1700
Contact a specific employee: Employee Directory

©Copyright 2006 - 2011 - City of Carson, California     Home | Site Map | Disclaimer
Powered by City Staff