NCSC has created educational posters for the public. If you're interested in posting them at your business, school, community center or home, click HERE. Great for teachers, businesses, environmental educators, and local citizens!
In the Humboldt County, storm drains flow directly to local creeks, and Humboldt Bay without treatment. Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near streams or the bay. Some common sources of this pollution include spilled oil, fuel, fluids from vehicles and heavy equipment, construction debris, sediment, landscaping runoff containing pesticides or weed killers, and materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, and paint products that people pour into a street or storm drain.
Recycling and using recyclable products is another way to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. The recycling process is less polluting than the process of producing products from virgin materials. For more information about recycling and other stormwater programs in the area, visit the following links:
Businesses and Stormwater
What’s stormwater? It’s liquid sunshine that flows down your street into storm drains, a.k.a. rain. Storm drains send stormwater into our creeks, rivers and Humboldt Bay without treatment. Storm drains are separate from our household sewer systems.
To keep creeks and rivers healthy, always keep pollutants such as dirt and trash out of our storm drains. Your anti-litter efforts help our community.
Only rain should be going down the storm drains, but we need your help to make that scenario a reality. You can report stormwater issues at any time to the Humboldt Stormwater hotline 1-877-627-2001
Top ten stormwater tips for Businesses
1 Repair equipment leaks so your money isn’t going down the drain.
2 Tarp your load whenever you’re hauling so you don’t lose anything.
3 Seal leaking storage containers to prevent pollutants from coming into contact with rain and entering a storm drain.
4 Clean spills with absorbents, rags, or a mop. Please don’t rinse onto pavement.
5 Instead of hosing pavement, sweep, and put the debris in the trash.
6 Paved areas which are kept free from excessive leaks, stains, litter, and sediment are less likely to allow pollutants to flow into a storm drain.
7 Adjust sprinklers and hoses so that they don’t water the street.
8 When you’re cleaning, empty your wash water into a sink, not the storm drain.
9 Anything stored outside should be covered so it’s not exposed to rainwater.
10 Landscape materials can be recycled instead of being blown into the gutter or tossed in the trash. Over-application of herbicides and pesticides can be harmful to wildlife.
We appreciate your help in preventing pollution in Humboldt County.