Reports of Pollutant Discharges Drops in 2021/22; Fewer Facilities Require Enforcement Action
Stormwater pollution refers to urban water runoff that picks up pollutants as it flows through the storm drain system—a network of channels, gutters, and pipes that collect rain and snowmelt. Eventually, the runoff empties untreated directly into local rivers and lakes. Pollutants in stormwater runoff, such as litter, pet waste, motor oil, paint, anti-freeze, pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic household chemicals, can have serious effects. They can contaminate drinking water supplies and harm the local environment and wildlife. Trash and debris accumulated in catch basins may create foul odors and attract pests. Flooding may also occur due to blocked storm drains during heavy rain events. Effective stormwater management reduces pollution, blocked drains, and flooding. To track stormwater quality management in the Santa Ana River watershed, this indictor shows reports of illegal discharges of pollutants into surface waterways and storm drains. Also measured are facility inspections and any resulting enforcement actions.
TREND
In 2021/22, there were 64 illegal discharge events, continuing a downward trend in the number of reported spills. After dumping and debris events were omitted from the count beginning in 2018/19, there was an apparent 63% one-year decline in discharges. The 2021/22 count of 64 spills is 54% less than the prior year (138 in 2020/21).
In 2021/22, there were 6 illegal discharges requiring enforcement action, such as a notice of violation, fines, or verbal outreach and education. This equates to 9% of all illegal discharges reported.
San Bernardino Areawide Stormwater Program members conducted 3,622 inspections of industrial and commercial facilities and construction sites in 2021/22. This number of inspections is 3% less than the prior year, and 16% less than five-years ago in 2017/18. Of the total number of inspections in 2021/22, just 228 inspections (or 6%) resulted in deficiencies requiring corrective action.
What Contributes to Illegal Discharge Reporting?
Increases in reports of illegal discharges can be attributed to population growth and greater public awareness that leads to more incident reporting, while decreases can be attributed to fewer severe weather events leading to debris blockage as well as improved public compliance with posted signs and laws related to dumping.
REPORTED ILLEGAL DISCHARGE EVENTS CONTINUE TO TREND DOWNWARD
Illegal Discharge, Dumping and Spill Events in the Santa Ana River Basin (San Bernardino County portion), 2018-2022
FEWER INSPECTIONS REVEAL DEFICIENCIES REQUIRING ENFORCEMENT
San Bernardino Areawide Stormwater Program Inspections of Commercial, Construction, and Industrial Facilities and Number with Deficiencies Requiring Enforcement Action, 2018-2022