GUY CARROZZO -- Mayor’s Column

I have asked Public Works Management Analyst Steve Hauerwaas to give us

insight into how the city of Fountain Valley addresses the issue of

storm-water pollution.Last summer’s beach closure due to bacteria

contamination is still under investigation, and several scientific

studies are focusing on the role of urban-water runoff as one possible

source of the pollution.

Federal law requires cities to identify and eliminate sources of water

and storm-water pollution and to develop systems for their reduction.

Fountain Valley has implemented several, including the following

systems:1. Inspecting and maintaining drainage systems;

2. Procedures for detecting water systems pollution;

3. Adopting ordinances prohibiting the discharge of pollution in water

systems;

4. Eliminating pollution sources;

5. Prosecuting violators;

6. Co-sponsoring and funding water pollution research and studies; and

7. Sweeping streets regularly and frequently.

Regular street sweeping is critical to the success of the city’s

pollution reduction program. The community’s cooperation in having

vehicles removed from the street on designated sweeping days is

appreciated.

City streets are swept every week in business areas and every other week

in residential neighborhoods. Using a vacuum cleaning process, the street

sweeping machines help remove trash, road dust and pollution to prevent

them from entering the storm-water system.

Although the city does what it can to reduce water pollution, it is

equally important to remember that what we do at home and work also

affects water quality and affects local beaches.Keep in mind that much of

what flows down storm drains ends up in the ocean. Each of us can do our

part to minimize water pollution if we heed these tips:* Pick up pet

waste on a regular basis. Never wash pet waste onto streets or into storm

drains.* Use a rake or broom to clean the yard, driveway and gutters.

It’s good exercise and minimizes the debris and pollutants scattered by

leaf blowers.* Don’t use gutters and storm drains as trash cans. Sweep up

debris and properly dispose of it in your trash can.

* Closely follow the recommended application of fertilizer, pesticide and

herbicide. Avoid spreading these materials in areas where they can end up

being washed down storm drains.* Never pour oil, paint, lawn-care

products or other hazardous waste material down the gutter, storm drain

or onto the ground. This causes considerable pollution, is against the

law and can result in significant penalties. You can legally dispose of

your household hazardous waste at 17121 Nichols St., Huntington Beach.

The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is

no cost for this service. For additional information of how to dispose of

household hazardous waste, call 834-6742.* Promptly fix any vehicles that

leak oil, transmission, radiator or brake fluid. Place absorbent material

such as cat litter-box material on any drips to clean up spills.With your

assistance, we eliminate water pollution and help preserve the quality of

local beaches for all to enjoy.

For additional information on how to reduce water pollution, please call

the city’s Public Works Department at 593-4550, Ext 347.

* GUY CARROZZO is mayor of Fountain Valley. STEVE HAUERWAAS is the city’s

public works management analyst.