Stormwater Inspection Program
If you own or work in a food, automotive or manufacturing business in South Gate, you might have already been visited by the City's inspector of your facility. Supported by user fees, this inspection is part of the City's Stormwater Pollution Prevention program which is mandated by state law.
Stormwater pollution is the untreated contaminated water that drains from businesses into the streets and through the municipal storm drain system into the ocean. The discharge of wash waters and contaminated stormwater from industries and businesses, such as restaurant and automotive maintenance is an environmental threat. It can also adversely impact public health and safety. In order to prevent or minimize the discharge of pollutants contained in stormwater runoff, a permit was issued by state to cities to follow. This permit is known as the NPDES Permit.
According to the permit, restaurants, food service industries, automotive service facilities, retail gasoline outlets, automotive dealerships and manufactures are required to be inspected twice every five years. The scope of the inspection includes the trash area, parking lot, grease barrels (for restaurants), outdoor storage and outdoor working areas to ensure that nothing from the facility shall runoff to the storm drains. Furthermore, the business owners/managers are encouraged to follow the Best Management Practices (BMPs) to properly handle, store and dispose of materials to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drains.
Such practices include sweeping the paved surfaces as oppose to hosing, keeping covers on all trash cans and reducing wastes by recycling. More BMPs suggestions are available at the Public Works Department's counter. Now with a much tougher permit expected within the next six months, South Gate needs cooperation from local businesses to keep us all in compliance.
This message is brought to you by the City of South Gate Public Works Department as part of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. For questions or more information, please contact the department at (323) 563-9576.