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Stormwater

Stormwater

What is stormwater? Water from rains and other sources washes into storm drains and is a major source of waterway pollution as it carries litter, chemicals, sediment, and debris along the way. Unlike sewer systems, storm drains lead unfiltered and untreated run-off directly to streams, rivers, and eventually oceans.

Los Angeles stormwater flows through a 2,800 mile network that empties into the ocean. Residents and businesses can help keep our precious waterways clean by preventing street litter, pollution runoff, and illegal dumping. 

On November 8, 2012, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) adopted the Final Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County. 

The City of Burbank is a co-permittee in fulfilling the requirements of this State-issued municipal stormwater permit, which regulates discharges of stormwater and urban runoff from the MS4s (storm drain systems). 

 

Illicit Discharges are in violation of:

  • Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 12510) 
  • General Pretreatment Regulations (40 CFR Part 403)
  • Burbank Municipal Code Title 8 Article 10 (Chapter 1 "Sewers")
A Street Use and Water Discharge Permit is required for ground maintenance and can be obtained from the Public Works Permit Counter.

On November 8, 2012, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted the Final Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County. The City of Burbank is a co-permittee in fulfilling the requirements of this State-issued municipal storm water permit, which regulates discharges of storm water and urban runoff from the MS4s (storm drain systems).

The MS4 permit essentially prohibits any non-storm water discharges from entering the MS4s.  Any discharge or loose material, whether it is onto a public sidewalk or street or even overflowing from someone's yard, will flow untreated into the storm drains and ultimately into local rivers, affecting all inhabitants. From the local rivers, the discharge or loose material will flow into the ocean, further affecting the users and inhabitants of the ocean. 

Examples of activities which contribute pollution into the local rivers and the ocean include people washing their cars outside in their driveways, or washing paint brushes, stucco, and cement containers on an impervious (parking lot, sidewalk, street) surface. 

Failure to comply with any of the provisions written in the MS4 permit will subject the City to Notices of Violation, fines, and bad publicity, not to mention the effect penalties or fines may have on City services such as street sweeping, roadway improvements, and tree trimming. 

As Burbank residents and rate payers, you can all do your part to reduce or control pollution – causing or contributing to pollution would otherwise have a direct effect on the quality of life in Burbank to you and your community. The LA County measure "Clean Water, Clean Beaches" produced a video (shown above) illustrating the various dynamics involved with storm water. 

  • Dispose all trash into a trash bin. 
  • Avoid cleaning brushes or rinsing paint containers in the street, gutter or near a storm drain
  • Don't use fertilizers or pesticides before a rain event is forecasted. 
  • Keep gutters clear! Don't leave leaves and lawn clippings in the gutter or sweep into the storm drain. 
  • Spread mulch on bare ground to help prevent erosion and runoff.
  • Consider composting which is a valuable soil conditioner and diverts material from ending up in a landfill.  
  • Divert rain spouts and garden hoses onto grass and planted areas to allow filtration through the soil. 
  • Water only your lawn and garden - not the sidewalk or driveway. 
  • Avoid over fertilization which can leach into ground water or contaminate local rivers and the ocean.
  • Clean up after your pets. Pet waste contains nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate local rivers. Dispose of pet waste in a trash can. 
  • Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze by absorbing them using kitty litter or sand and then dispose of the material at a local household hazardous waste event. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach local rivers and the ocean.
  • Pull a Public Works permit for a dechlorinated/debrominated swimming pool discharge or a non-profit car wash event. 

If you witness someone discharging pollutants or fluids into the street, storm drains, or local rivers, please use your voice to educate them or, if needed, report them to the Public Works Department (818) 238-3915.

Contact Information
Location
150 N.Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m