As a result of recent federal and state regulations, the City of Sunnyvale along with 14 other agencies in Santa Clara County, must comply with new guidelines to prevent pollutants from entering the public storm drain system. Non-compliance with these guidelines would allow pollutants to flow into creeks and then directly into San Francisco Bay, causing damage to wildlife.

The new guidelines specify that some construction practices, which were accepted in the past, are no longer allowed. These practices can result in pollutants entering the storm drain system through either direct deposit into a catch basin or flow down the gutter into a curb inlet.

Some of the practice which are now prohibited include rinsing or washing any of the following materials into streets, shoulder areas, inlets, catch basins and gutters.

·         Concrete

·         Paints (water or oil based)

·         Grout

·         Gasoline

·         Mortar

·         Diesel fuel

·         Drywall compound

·         Oil

·         Cement and stucco

·         Sawdust and dirt

·         Solvents and adhesives

·         Asphalt and concrete saw cut slurry

·         Thinners

·         Swimming pool and spa water

The City will monitor construction sites within Sunnyvale to insure that contractors are adhering to the discharge prohibitions listed above. Noncompliance may result in the shutdown of a construction site and/or possible fines.