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| Urban runoff, the surface water from our yards, driveways, and streets that flows through storm drains, is the greatest single source of pollution to the beaches and near-shore waters of the Santa Monica Bay. Unlike sewage and discharges from industrial sources, urban runoff cannot always be adequately treated before it reaches the bay and our beaches. The EPA has a list of many easy things that can be done at home and at work to help to reduce or eliminate this pollution problem. Urban runoff includes dry weather runoff and wet weather flows from rain-storm events. The oversight of urban runoff is called Watershed Management. |
By reducing the quantity of runoff and improving the quality of runoff, we lower levels of harmful bacteria, toxics, and other forms of pollutants affecting the bay. Reducing the amount of urban runoff and the amount of pollutants contained in the runoff are essential for the health and safety of our community. A cleaner bay means a healthier marine ecosystem and improved quality of life for residents, and increases Santa Monica’s appeal to visitors and businesses.
Urban Runoff 101: an Introduction
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View Workshop Flyer  |
One-Day Introductory Workshop
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Two-Day Accredited Professional Workshop
Monday and Tuesday, May 14-15, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Two-Day Design and Construction Workshop
Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 - 17, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Find out all the details at www.arcsa.org
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Keeping Butts out of the Bay
Another innovative solution has been implemented on the Santa Monica Pier. The Bait Tank, as it is called, is a simple idea with a big impact: keeping toxic cigarette butts out of our ocean. It's an eye-catching tool that safely collects cigarette butts and also communicates to the public that our world is not an ashtray.
More info: thebaittank.com
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Curbing the Flow
If you have a spare fifteen minutes and want a comprehensive look at what the City of Santa Monica is doing to manage Urban Runoff, you are invited to watch Curbing the Flow, produced in partnership with CityTV. |
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More Informative Videos
Link to RiverSmart Videos
For some terrific practical information with hands-on visuals about the causes and impacts of urban runoff pollution and potential solutions, check out the RiverSmart videos, produced by the Washington, DC District Department of the Environment. The videos on their website cover different ways you can reduce urban runoff and its pollution using environmentally-responsible, sustainable methods.
More RiverSmart videos can be seen on YouTube, including a five part series on Stormwater. Most of these solutions can be replicated in Southern California, though we get less rain and fewer rainy days during the year.
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'Smart" Trash Cans Hit the Beach
The City of Santa Monica and regional nonprofit Heal the Bay have teamed up to create 500 trash cans for Santa Monica State Beach that encourage environmental stewardship via a creative marriage of technology and visual design. The trash cans are wrapped in eye-catching artwork that reflects the playful nature of a day at the beach, while reminding the community about the need to keep trash in its proper place. And a QR code connects smart phone users to the smbeachcast.com mobile website.
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Rain Barrel & Cistern Rebate Program
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Harvesting rainwater protects the Bay from runoff and makes watering your yard fun.
If that's not enough incentive, what about a generous rebate?
Would that help?
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