Stormwater & Drainage
Clean Water Program
The City of Pinole is a co-permittee in the Contra Costa County’s Clean Water Program. As such we are bound by federal legislation entitled the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) act and the Clean Water Act. Development Analysts monitor compliance issues related to our NPDES permit, such as commercial business, construction site, and private discharges. Only clean water should run into storm inlets. Water that enters the storm system is not treated before it is discharged to the Bay or other water bodies of the state.
For more helpful information on Stormwater Management, visit the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) website.
Contra Costa County’s Clean Water Program’s project compliance guidelines can be found on their website under “Development/Infrastructure”, “C.3 Requirements” pages. City of Pinole sections can be found in Appendix A and Appendix K.
Best Management Practices
Working together we can protect our environment and find proper ways to dispose of waste. Visit Household Waste & Recycling for more information on this important topic.
Refer to the documents below for Best Management Practices.
Automobile Facilities
Landscaping, Pools, & Spas
Parking Lots
Residents
Restaurants
V-Ditch
In general, the City of Pinole maintains all storm drain structures and piping except v-ditches that are located on private property. Remember that only clean water should run into storm drains. Water that enters the storm system is not treated before it is discharged to the Bay or other water bodies of the state.
It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the v-ditches on their property. During winter storms, flooding can occur because concrete v-ditches are not properly maintained. Before and during the rainy season, clear all debris out of v-ditches on your property. Keeping v-ditches clear of debris allows water running downhill to flow away from your property and your neighbors’ without causing erosion damage. When a v-ditch is clogged, the buildup of dirt and leaves may prevent water from flowing into the drain when it rains or when outside water is used for watering gardens or washing cars. If you have any questions about storm drains or v-ditches, or need to report clogged storm drain inlets, please call the Public Works Department at (510) 724-9010. After hours, please call Pinole Police non-emergency (510) 724-1111.
Trash Capture
Trash capture devices are tools for reducing the impacts of trash on water bodies.
Trash as defined in the California Government Code Section 68055.1(g): “Litter means all improperly discarded waste material, including, but not limited to, convenience food, beverage, and other product packages or containers constructed of steel, aluminum, glass, paper, plastic, and other natural and synthetic materials, thrown or deposited on the lands and waters of the state, but not including the properly discarded waste of the primary processing of agriculture, mining, logging, sawmilling or manufacturing [….].”
Trash capture devices can be installed in existing and new catch basins to keep litter and other debris carried by stormwater from entering the storm drain system and flowing to Pinole Creek and San Francisco Bay.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a cost-effective approach to treat stormwater at its source in a manner that has environmental and economic benefits.
Stormwater runoff is a critical concern for cities as it causes a large amount of water pollution in urban areas. In cities and suburban areas, stormwater runoff carries trash, bacteria, metals, and other pollutants from the surrounding area into nearby bodies of water. Green infrastructure offers a solution to these pressing issues. Essentially, green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to restore the natural processes of filtering water back into the Earth. Green infrastructure is a patchwork of natural area amidst an urban environment that allows vegetation to reabsorb and store water.
The City of Pinole has developed a Green Infrastructure Plan. This Plan will guide a shift from conventional “collect and convey” stormwater infrastructure to more resilient, sustainable stormwater management systems that reduce runoff volume, disperse runoff to vegetated areas, harvest runoff for reuse, promote infiltration and evapotranspiration, and use natural processes to detain and treat runoff.
Flooding
The City of Pinole is located in a low flood zone. During high tides and heavy rainy seasons certain areas in the City may experience some flooding.
To assist the citizens of Pinole with flooding preparation, the City offers sandbags on a first come, first serve (self-serve) while supplies last. Citizens may obtain sand and sandbags at the rear of the Plum & Peach Streets Public Parking Lot off Tennent Avenue. The material is available on a self-service basis.
For general information, please check out these informative websites below:
If you have concerns about flooding, here are some links to FEMA:
To determine if your property is in a designated flood zone, you may also visit the Department of Public Works at City Hall during normal business hours.