WATER COP: Enforcing Stormwater

Requirements

Karineh Samkian City of San Pablo

Presentation Outline

San Pablo’s inspection program Enforcement toolbox Enforcement challenges Ordinance amendment Next steps

Inspection Program

76 food service facilities and 37 auto service facilities

Public Works Inspector: Inspections

Environmental Program Analyst: Follow-up enforcement

Common Violations Washing outdoor surfaces into the

stormdrain

Common Restaurant Violations

Washing mats outside

Dirty trash area

Leaking oil containers

Common Auto Facility Violations

No/improper secondary containment

Working on cars outdoors

Washing cars

Enforcement Toolbox

Inspection and re-inspection

Notice to Abate/Notice of Violation followed by an Administrative Citation

Referral to City Attorney, District Attorney, Water Board, or Fish and Game

Enforcement Challenges

Definition of a violation

Property owner/manager vs. business

Fine amounts are too low

Repeat violators

Case Study Denny’s grease interceptor overflow

Ordinance Amendment

Defined minimum fine amount for misdemeanors as $250

Established $1,000 automatic citation for discharges to the stormdrain system

Successful at getting compliance

Automatic Citation Process

Send citation

Can appeal it but must first pay $250

A hearing will be scheduled and the hearing officer will make the final ruling

Next Steps

Address repeat violators

Contact Information (510)215-3037 karinehs@ci.san-pablo.ca.us

QUESTIONS?