• What is N.P.D.E.S.?
• Why are the regulations needed?
• Doesn’t the water in the storm drains flow to a treatment plant?
• Who must comply with the N.P.D.E.S. regulations?
• How do I reduce the amount of pollutants entering the storm drain system?
• How do I obtain additional information?

What is N.P.D.E.S.?
N.P.D.E.S. stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and is a federally mandated program designed to reduce the amount of pollution in our waterways.  Fullerton, along with the other Orange County cities, is mandated by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board to implement a comprehensive program to prevent pollution from entering the storm drain system.  The program includes things such as sweeping the streets, cleaning the storm drains, inspecting businesses, and reviewing plans for new development.

Why are the regulations needed?
The storm drain system was designed to carry water away from our properties as efficiently as possible as a means of flood control.  As the population of an area grows, so does the amount of impervious surface.  Impervious surfaces do not allow water to infiltrate.  Instead, storm water and other discharges carry any pollutants that they pick up directly to our creeks, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean.  The N.P.D.E.S. regulations are needed to reduce the amount of pollutants in this urban runoff.

Doesn’t the water in the storm drains flow to a treatment plant?
No, water in the storm drain system flows directly to our creeks, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean untreated.  Only the sanitary sewer system (sinks, toilets, etc.) flows to a treatment plant before being discharged.

Who must comply with the N.P.D.E.S. regulations?
The Orange County Municipal N.P.D.E.S. Permit, issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, addresses Municipal Activities, New Development, Construction Activities, Commercial and Industrial Businesses, and Residential Activities.  This means that everyone living and working in the City of Fullerton is affected by these regulations and may have to alter their current activities to help reduce pollutants in our waterways.

How do I reduce the amount of pollutants entering the storm drain system?
We reduce pollution by implementing Best Management Practices (BMP’s).  BMP’s are measures incorporated by residents, businesses, construction sites, the City of Fullerton, and others, as a way to reduce the amount of contaminants present in storm water and other discharges.  Sites with a higher potential for pollution must implement more thorough BMP’s.  The most common BMP required of residents and businesses is housekeeping.  This includes sweeping outdoor areas rather than washing the dirt and debris away with the hose and properly storing and disposing of trash and other wastes.  More examples and detailed information are available at www.ocwatersheds.com or through the Fullerton Fire Department.

How do I obtain additional information?
You can reach Environmental Compliance Specialist Grant Miner with the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-5359.  Fire Department staff are available to provide educational materials, present information to local businesses and community groups, answer any questions regarding N.P.D.E.S. regulations, and to respond to reports of illegal discharges to the storm drain system.