Storm Water Pollution Prevention

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Storm Drains Are Only For Rain!

When it Rains, it Drains The storm drain system is comprised of gutters and storm drains which are designed to prevent flooding by moving rain water away from City streets and directly into local rivers (which flow to the ocean). Storm water pollution is occurring because rainwater and urban runoff (such as irrigation) pick up pollutants as it flows across paved surfaces and then carries the pollutants into the storm drain system. The water that enters this system is not ever treated or filtered, and therefore any pollutants washed into the system flow with the water directly into the rivers and to the ocean.

These pollutants contaminate our waterways, making them unsafe for people and wildlife. Toxic chemicals, polluted rivers and beaches, and trash accumulation in the ocean kills plants and animals, costs millions of dollars each year in clean up, and hurts the ability of our community to safely enjoy our environment by creating serious health risks.

The City of Pomona is committed to the protection of our environment and water resources by reducing the impact of pollutants from urban runoff through implementation of its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The NPDES permit program, as authorized by the Federal Clean Water Act, controls water pollution by regulating what is discharged into waters of the United States.

Common sources of storm water pollution include litter, trash, pet waste, paint residue, organic material (yard waste), fertilizers, pesticides, sediments, construction debris, cooking grease, illegally dumped motor oil, and other harmful fluids. Many of these pollutants come from every day activities and can be easily reduced by using common sense and good housekeeping practices. Good housekeeping measures used to reduce storm water pollution are commonly referred to as Best Management Practices or BMPs.

Certain activities, such as construction and renovation, may require a permit from the City of Pomona. Aspects of such permits may include BMP requirements to minimize water run-off and reduce the potential for storm water pollution.

For more information on which activities may require a permit, please contact:

Pomona City Hall
Building and Safety Department
505 South Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA 91766
909-620-2371

Even when a permit is not required for a particular activity, residents and businesses in Pomona are asked to follow BMPs to reduce the potential for storm water pollution. This cooperation will help ensure the safety and enjoyment of our environment by keeping our storm drain systems clean and free from pollutants.

Best Management Practices Fact Sheets

Residential

Industrial/Commercial

HOAs

Development and Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?
Sewers and storm drains are not the same thing. Sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing, such as toilets, sinks, washing machines, and floor drains. A municipal sewer system includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage water. A municipal storm water system only transports water for flood control purposes; no treatment of storm water occurs before it is discharged to local water bodies.
How do I report a storm water pollution concern?
Concerns regarding possible pollutants being discharged to a street gutter, storm drain, or storm channel should be directed to the Public Works Department in City Hall at (909) 620-3628. Additionally, the County of Los Angeles maintains a 24-hour toll free water pollution reporting line at 1-888-CLEAN LA. To report serious spill emergencies (chemical, gas, etc), call 911.
If yard clippings and leaves are natural, why are they considered pollutants?
As yard clippings and leaves decompose, they deplete water of dissolved oxygen that aquatic species, including fish and turtles, need to survive. Excessive plant material also encourages algae growth. Additionally, contaminants such as dog waste, fertilizers, and oil from road dirt can adhere to these types of organic material. Therefore, when they wash into the storm drains, so do the contaminants.

For general Storm Water Education information, please contact:

City of Pomona
Water Resources Department
148 N Huntington Street
Pomona, CA 91768

Environmental Programs Supervisor Phone: 909-620-3628
Environmental 24-Hour Reporting Line Phone: 909-620-2224
Water Watcher 24-Hour Reporting Line Phone: 909-620-2244

Additional Resources

Plans

Comprehensive Bacteria Reduction Plan (CBRP) for Santa Ana River Watershed

On March 14, 2014, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board approved the Comprehensive Bacteria Reduction Plan (CBRP) that was submitted for the cities of Pomona and Claremont. The CBRP is a Plan that outlines how the Cities will comply with waste discharge requirements for the implementation of Bacteria Indicator Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the Middle Santa Ana River Watershed waterbodies per the adopted Santa Ana Region National Pollutant Discharge Eliminaton System (NPDES) Permit and the Los Angeles County NPDES Permit.

CBRP

Watershed Management Plan and Monitoring Program for San Gabriel River Watershed

The Cities of Claremont, La Verne, Pomona and San Dimas, collectively referred to as the East San Gabriel Valley Watershed Management Group, submitted a notice of intent to develop a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) to fulfill the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for Los Angeles County issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.

As part of the requirement, the cities also developed a Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Plan (CIMP) to address water quality priorities within the San Gabriel River Watershed. A water quality priorites analysis generated a list of pollutants potentially of issue for the East San Gabriel Valley Watershed receiving waters. The cities are addressing MS4 water quality and potential impacts to the receiving waters through the WMP and CIMP process. Through the protection of the receiving waters, the WMP and CIMP form a path of compliance with the NPDES Permit. The purpose of the CIMP is to address primary objectives of the Monitoring and Reporting Program component of the MS4 Permit issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.

WMP - Watershed Management Plan
Appendix I - IRWMP
CIMP - Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Plan

The City Wants to Hear From You!

We are interested in hearing about your project ideas, community needs, and possible opportunities to work with others in achieving water quality goals. Please read the Watershed Flyer and submit your suggestions to the address on the form.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer