FAQs

Why can’t I dump grass clippings into the storm drain or onto the roads?: Dumping of any material into the storm drain or onto the roads is a direct violation of the County National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater ordinance. A Notice of Violation (NOV) may be issued and could be followed by a fine of up to $500. It is especially important to remember that many storm drains and gutters lead directly into the bay or to other County water bodies.

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Stormwater Management

1. My pond has a green film on it. What do I do?: Chances are your pond is experiencing an algae bloom. This occurs frequently in ponds that receive excess nutrients in runoff from surrounding areas. Nutrients are washed into the water body and the algae bloom occurs. These blooms can also cause strong odors to emanate from ponds and creeks.

2. Why are there all these dead fish in my pond?: Fish kills are common occurrences in the winter and during particularly hot days during the summer. The most common cause is low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the pond. Cold weather also causes kills of fish with little tolerance for drops in temperature (e.g. tilapia).

3. What causes poor water quality?: A number of factors may contribute to poor water quality. Some of the main culprits are runoff of fertilizers and pesticides from yards, oil and grease from cars, and sediment from construction sites. Trash, run off of hazardous materials, dumping of waste, and spills are other pollutants that degrade water quality. Natural occurrences such as algae blooms, although often triggered by pollution, may also contribute to a decline in water quality.

4. Why can’t I dump grass clippings into the storm drain or onto the roads?: Dumping of any material into the storm drain or onto the roads is a direct violation of the County National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater ordinance. A Notice of Violation (NOV) may be issued and could be followed by a fine of up to $500. It is especially important to remember that many storm drains and gutters lead directly into the bay or to other County water bodies.

5. Where are storm drains?: For the most part, storm drains are located within the limits of the streets. Water typically flows across the land onto the road and gutters and into storm water inlets that are connected to the storm water drainage pipes. In the more rural areas, storm water is conveyed along roadside ditches.

6. Is trash and debris floating in the water considered pollution?: Yes, the floating debris in the water is pollution and often termed floatables. Floatables are one of the simplest pollution to control – stop litter.

7. Why is the Storm Water fee necessary?: The Storm Water Fee is a result of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and amendments thereafter. The regulations require cities to make improvements to reduce the amount of pollution from storm water runoff.

These improvements include public education as well as removing pollution at the source. There are no federal or state dollars provided to implement water quality measures so the Storm Water fee has been adopted. Storm water is responsible for funding the operation, management, construction and maintenance of Storm water facilities.

This generates its revenue through user fees. The Storm water fee is a service fee and not a tax. The fees are used to maintain and upgrade drainage facilities within the City as well as funding state and federal mandates regarding storm Water facility reviews, inspections, and the erosion and sediment control program that relates to new construction.

8. My utility bill includes a charge for "storm water." What is this?: The storm water fee on your bill helps to offset costs related to maintaining drainage systems throughout the city. These systems include roadways, drainage culverts, pumping stations and canals.