Demolition, soil grading, and pouring concrete are common construction activities that can send pollutants to the City’s storm drain system. Pollutants that enter the storm drain flow directly into local creeks and the Monterey Bay, harm plants, wildlife, and people. Rainwater washes sediment and other pollutants such as paint, solvents, concrete, and oil from a construction site into the storm drain. To prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain, Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be properly maintained during construction activities.
Storm Water BMP Inspections
The City regularly inspects construction sites to ensure that the projects are properly implementing BMPs to protect water quality until the site is stabilized. Construction sites that are out of compliance with the Pacific Grove Municipal Code will be inspected by the City more frequently and are subject to fines.
Resources for Construction Site Managers
The State of California requires development projects of a certain size to incorporate permanent stormwater treatment features to treat runoff for pollutants before it flows into the City’s storm drain system. Rain and irrigation water can pick up motor oil, solvents, litter, pesticides, and other pollutants as it flows over driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, roadways, landscaping, and rooftops. Pollutants are then washed into the storm drains, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay, harming fish, plants and wildlife that live there.
Stormwater treatment features are typically specific landscape-based items such as rain gardens, swales or infiltration basins that capture pollutants and prevent them from reaching the storm drain. There are ways to build beautiful landscaping features to capture pollutants to keep them from reaching storm drains, creeks and rivers. The City will help you incorporate required stormwater treatment features into your project.
Post-Construction Requirements
In July, 2013, the Central Coast Water Board adopted Order R3-2013-0032, with new, more stringent Post-Construction Requirements (PCRs). Projects that received their first approval for design elements after March 6, 2014 are subject to the PCRs, if they create or replace 2,500 square feet or more of impervious area.
Visit the Planning Division Stormwater page for more information.
To report illegal dumping to the street, waterways, or the storm drain system, please call the Public Works Department at (831) 648-5722. After hours, call the after-hours emergency number at (831) 648-3143.
Stormwater Flows Directly to Bay and Ocean
In Pacific Grove, storm drains carry water directly to the Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean without treatment. As rain water flows across rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, and streets and enters the City's storm sewer system it can pick up pollutants that can be toxic to fish, wildlife and people, such as:
- Motor oil and auto fluids which leak from vehicles
- Soap and dirt from pans and cookware in the street or driveway
- Antifreeze, oil, paint or cleaners dumped or rinsed into the gutter
The City Investigates Discharges & Illegal Dumping to the Storm DrainThe City responds to all complaints of discharges from businesses and residents or illegal dumping. The complaints may range from a leaking vehicle or pool water discharge, to illegal dumping of hazardous waste.
Discharging or Dumping to the Storm Drain May Result in Fines
When violations occur, the City provides education on stormwater protection and also requires the responsible party to clean up the discharge. The City also issues enforcement actions. Uncorrected or serious violations will result in enforcement and may include fines.
The City is Legally Required to Prevent Pollution to the BayFederal regulations require the City to protect the storm drains, creeks, and the Bay from pollution from illegal dumping and discharges. Municipal Code
Chapter 9.30, Storm Water Management and Discharge Control, gives the City authority to inspect and enforce against dumping to the storm drains.
Best Practices and Educational MaterialsStormwater educational information and posters can be found on the
MRSWMP website
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