Stormwater
Stormwater pollution prevention is not only good public policy, it is also the law. Local, state, and federal law requires the City to enforce stormwater regulations and educate residents and business owners on the proper discharge of stormwater to our storm drains and receiving waters. The City of Beaumont is committed to improving water quality by implementing programs that systematically reduce and eliminate pollutants from urban runoff before reaching our local streams.
Stormwater Compliance
Unlike sewage, which goes to treatment plants to remove toxins, urban runoff flows untreated through the storm drain system and directly into our local streams and rivers. Anything thrown, swept, washed, or poured into the street, gutter or a catch basin can flow into our rivers and eventually to the ocean. To effectively address this issue, the City adopted the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations to reduce pollutants in urban runoff and in stormwater.
As part of the NPDES regulations, the City of Beaumont was issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. This State Permit places pollution prevention requirements on planned developments, construction sites, commercial and industrial businesses, municipal facilities and activities, and residential communities.
Only Rain Down the Storm Drain
A common misconception is that storm drain pollution happens only when it rains. Actually, throughout the dry part of the year, pollutants such as motor oil, antifreeze, trash, and grease accumulate on streets and parking lots. When rain finally does fall, the rainwater carries these pollutants into the storm drain. Even common activities such as over-watering lawns and landscaped areas, car washing and hosing down driveways, or pet waste droppings cause pollutants to make their way into the storm drain.
Examples of everyday items that can be serious pollutants with links to preventative tips:
These pollutants can affect our drinking water and pose a serious risk to people swimming or fishing in our local bodies of water. All runoff empties into the Santa Ana River which, if polluted, can contaminate our coastal waters. This contamination can endanger countless marine plants and animals living in Beaumont and the surrounding areas.
Locally, pollutants can affect our neighborhoods by creating breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes that can carry infectious diseases. The issue can also create the potential for local flooding during rain events, as litter, leaves and other debris clog catch basins along streets and intersections.
Bottom line: Stormwater pollutants can affect us all. When the quality of the environment around us deteriorates, our lifestyles, our recreational opportunities, and our health feel the effects. Discarding of these materials in the storm drains is illegal and in violation of the City's NPDES Permit. If you see someone who is illegally dumping such materials, please report it immediately.
TO REPORT ILLEGAL DISCHARGES/DUMPING PLEASE CONTACT CODE ENFORCEMENT AT (951) 769-8500 OR THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AT (800) 506-2555.