A situation in the city where Stormwater’s offices are located potentially reflects similar conditions around the country. A solid waste transfer and recycling facility here in Santa Barbara, CA, is being sued for stormwater violations.
The water-quality watchdog group Santa Barbara Channelkeeper says it sent a notice of violations to the county, which operates the facility, as well as to EPA and various state agencies two months ago, but did not receive a response from the county. Two weeks ago it filed a lawsuit in US District Court to stop the transfer station from discharging pollutants in its runoff.
A situation in the city where Stormwater’s offices are located potentially reflects similar conditions around the country. A solid waste transfer and recycling facility here in Santa Barbara, CA, is being sued for stormwater violations. The water-quality watchdog group Santa Barbara Channelkeeper says it sent a notice of violations to the county, which operates the facility, as well as to EPA and various state agencies two months ago, but did not receive a response from the county. Two weeks ago it filed a lawsuit in US District Court to stop the transfer station from discharging pollutants in its runoff. [text_ad] The facility receives about 300 tons of waste per day, including, according to Channelkeeper, “municipal solid waste, recyclable materials, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and unprocessed green and wood waste.” The group claims these materials are “stored and processed outdoors without adequate cover or containment.” Vehicle maintenance activities at the facility are also under scrutiny. According to Channelkeeper, pollutants are leaving the facility in stormwater runoff, potentially including bacteria and pathogens; gasoline, diesel fuel, and other vehicle-maintenance-related fluids; metals including copper, iron, lead, aluminum, and zinc; and nutrients. Consequences for the county could be severe, as violations of the Clean Water Act can bring penalties of up to $37,500 per day. StormCon 2016, which will be co-located with WasteCon this year (see details below), will deal with questions of stormwater management at solid waste facilities. How common is the problem? Are you aware of violations—or of particularly successful stormwater management plans—at similar facilities in your area? StormCon & WasteCon Together in Indianapolis 2016! We are proud to join forces for two important conferences. StormCon 2016 is joining WasteCon to bring even more vendors and sessions under the same convention roof. We know it's easy to think you can wait till the last minute to register, but before we close 2015, we want to offer you one last chance to get the Super Early Bird discount before 2015 runs out. Jump on over to StormCon's website to register for StormCon to ensure you have the best possible price for StormCon 2016. It's going to be a great event, and we look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis in 2016. Happy New Year!
The facility receives about 300 tons of waste per day, including, according to Channelkeeper, “municipal solid waste, recyclable materials, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and unprocessed green and wood waste.” The group claims these materials are “stored and processed outdoors without adequate cover or containment.” Vehicle maintenance activities at the facility are also under scrutiny. According to Channelkeeper, pollutants are leaving the facility in stormwater runoff, potentially including bacteria and pathogens; gasoline, diesel fuel, and other vehicle-maintenance-related fluids; metals including copper, iron, lead, aluminum, and zinc; and nutrients.
Consequences for the county could be severe, as violations of the Clean Water Act can bring penalties of up to $37,500 per day.
StormCon 2016, which will be co-located with WasteCon this year (see details below), will deal with questions of stormwater management at solid waste facilities. How common is the problem? Are you aware of violations—or of particularly successful stormwater management plans—at similar facilities in your area?
StormCon & WasteCon Together in Indianapolis 2016!
We are proud to join forces for two important conferences. StormCon 2016 is joining WasteCon to bring even more vendors and sessions under the same convention roof. We know it’s easy to think you can wait till the last minute to register, but before we close 2015, we want to offer you one last chance to get the Super Early Bird discount before 2015 runs out.
Jump on over to StormCon’s website to register for StormCon to ensure you have the best possible price for StormCon 2016.
It’s going to be a great event, and we look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis in 2016.
Happy New Year!
