Public Works Department Operations

The City of San Fernando believes part of maintaining a beautiful city is through the protection of our waterways. San Fernando is located in the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed. A watershed is the total land area that drains rainfall and runoff, including pollutants, to local storm drains, creeks, and the Pacific Ocean without being treated. It is important keep our watersheds clean so we can have beautiful, healthy, and safe rivers and beaches.

Stormwater is runoff from rainfall that drains through natural and urban areas. Stormwater flows into stormdrains, through creeks, and eventually to the ocean and can pick up urban pollutants along the way. The city has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in which the city must take many measures to prevent stormwater pollution. The permit contains multiple programs that are implemented by the city: public outreach, illicit discharge and illicit connection elimination, development planning, development construction, and public agency activities. With the implementation of these programs, the city can achieve water quality standards as enforced by the Regional Water Quality Board – Los Angeles.

FOR RESIDENTS:

There are many household pollutants to be aware of and ways you can prevent stormwater pollution:

• Do not dump anything into the streets, gutter, or stormdrain inlets.
• Household fertilizers, pesticides, and other hazardous wastes are toxic for the environment. Always follow the directions on the container, avoid application before rain, and avoid runoff. Try to use environmentally friendly fertilizers and pesticides if possible.
• Avoid washing off driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.
• Pet waste contains bacteria. Always pick up after your pet and dispose of waste in a nearby trash can.
• Prevent unnecessary runoff by fixing sprinkler heads or installing drip irrigation.
• Do not litter and always place trash, including cigarette butts, in a proper waste receptacle.
• Do not discharge pool water to the storm drain.
• Wash your car at a car wash or where wash water will drain to a grassy or landscaped area. Car washes collect all runoff and prevent soaps from entering the storm drain system.
• Keep an eye out for a Household Hazardous Waste collection event in your neighborhood.
• Take Action! Volunteer at a local creek clean-up. Consider California Coastal Cleanup Day or join a Friends of the LA River Cleanup event.  

FOR BUSINESSES:

• Trash Maintenance: Always keep trash receptacle lids closed and area clean of trash and pollutants. Never put liquid waste into dumpsters. Never wash down trash enclosures; instead, sweep the area to keep it clean.
• Oil and Grease: Restaurants must maintain grease traps and interceptors to prevent spills and leaks. Never pour grease or oil into the storm drain.
• Cleaners and chemicals: Store where they are protected from rainfall and runoff. Use secondary containment to prevent accidental leaks from entering the storm drain
• Surface cleaning: Always sweep up spills and debris in parking lots, sidewalks, and other surfaces. If a liquid spill occurs, use an absorbant, such as kitty litter, to clean. Never wash down surfaces.  

To report illegal dumping or discharges, please call the City of San Fernando at 818-898-1200 or the county-wide hotline at 1-888-CLEANLA.

• LA County Stormwater 
• State Water Resources Control Board  
• Environmental Protection Agency  
• California State Coastal Conservancy 
• Coastal Cleanup Day 
• Friends of the Los Angeles River  
• Heal the Bay