• What Is Storm Water?
• What is Storm Water pollution?
• What is the difference between storm drains and sewers?
• Why should I be concerned with Storm Water?
• What are my legal responsibilities?
• Who is required to get a Storm Water Permit?
• How do I obtain a Storm Water Permit?
• Why am I getting inspected?
• For more Information…

What Is Storm Water?
Storm Water is rainwater that enters the storm drain system and empties into lakes, rivers, streams or the ocean.

What is Storm Water pollution?
Water from rain, irrigation, garden hoses or other activities that picks up pollutants (cigarette butts, trash, automotive fluids, used oil, paint, plastic pellets, metal shavings, fertilizers and pesticides, lawn clippings, pet waste, etc.) from streets, parking lots, driveways and yards and carries them through the storm drain system, streams and rivers and straight to the ocean.

What is the difference between storm drains and sewers?
The sewer system collects water and waste from inside homes and businesses and carries it to a treatment plant where it is cleaned before being released into the ocean. The storm drain system collects water and litter from outside homes and businesses and carries it, untreated, directly to the ocean.

Why should I be concerned with Storm Water?
Rainfall in urban areas creates both benefits and problems. The benefits are landscape irrigation and area cleansing. The problem is that when rain flows over streets and other surfaces, it picks up pollutants and carries them into the storm drain. The storm drain is designed to prevent flooding by transporting water away from urban areas. Unfortunately, this water and all the contaminants it contains eventually flow to our streams, lakes, and the ocean where we swim and fish. Once there, polluted runoff can harm wildlife and their habitats. In some cases, it can even cause beach closures or make our fish and shellfish unsafe to eat.

What are my legal responsibilities?
As required by Federal law and Chapter 12.18 of the Fullerton Municipal Code an industrial facility must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs).  BMPs are good housekeeping solutions that include the proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials to prevent storm water pollution.  Examples include: covering outdoor storage, routinely sweeping storage areas, keeping absorbent material on-site to clean up spills or leaks, or having spill prevention and control procedures in place.  To obtain your industry specific BMP see the website at www.ocwatersheds.com or http://www.cabmphandbooks.com.

In addition to the above requirements, your business may also be required to obtain a Storm Water Permit with the State and develop, implement and maintain on-site a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a written Monitoring Program.

Who is required to get a Storm Water Permit?
The Federal Clean Water Act mandates that certain industrial activities must comply with the Storm Water Program.  There are eleven activity categories that require a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.  These categories are defined by either the facility’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code or a description of the facilities industrial activity. If you need help finding your SIC code, see the website at http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html or visit our office for assistance.

How do I obtain a Storm Water Permit?
To obtain a permit the following items must be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board: A Notice of Intent (NOI) form, Site Map and appropriate State fees.  To obtain a NOI form, call the Santa Ana Regional Water Board at (909) 782-4130 or visit the website at http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtr/industrial.html.

Why am I getting inspected?
The City of Fullerton is subject to requirements in the Orange County Municipal Storm Water Permit.  As such, the City is responsible for inspecting all facilities that fall within the Storm Water Program and must verify that best management practices are being utilized to minimize the discharge of surface runoff contaminants.

For more Information…
Contact the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-5359, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board at (909) 782-4130 or the State Water Board at (916) 341-5538.