Green Infrastructure Plan

The purpose of the Green Infrastructure Plan is to guide the identification, implementation, tracking, and reporting of green infrastructure projects within the City of East Palo Alto in accordance with the requirements of Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP), Order No. R2-2015-0049, adopted by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board on November 15, 2015. The Plan is required by the MRP, in part, as an alternative to expanding the definition of Regulated Projects prescribed in Provision C.3.b to include all new and redevelopment projects that create or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface areas and road projects that just replace existing imperious surface area. “Green infrastructure” refers to stormwater infrastructure that uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments.

At the scale of a city or county, green infrastructure refers to the patchwork of natural and landscaped areas that provide habitat, flood protection, cleaner air, and cleaner water. At the scale of a neighborhood, street, or site, green infrastructure refers to stormwater management systems that mimic nature by soaking up, storing, and/or improving the quality of water. In the case of the City of East Palo Alto, green infrastructure is considered as low impact development sited on both private property and public right of way. At the project level, this includes treatment of stormwater from new or re-developed private properties, and treatment of stormwater from the public right of way.

Reporting Illicit Discharge

Stormwater runoff is precipitation from rain that flows over the ground. As it flows, it can pick up chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and deposit them into a storm drain system, which drains directly into our creeks, Bay, and ocean. Storm drains do not treat any pollutants so any illegal dumping flows directly into the San Francisco Bay and could degrade water quality, harm aquatic life, clog drains, cause localized flooding, and increase costs to municipalities.  

The City of East Palo Alto Stormwater Management and Discharge Ordinance (13.12.070) establishes water pollution control and prevention requirements. The Ordinance prohibits any discharge of non-stormwater discharges to the City storm drainage system, including, but not limited to, pool water, car wash water, landscape irrigation water, sediment, and hazardous waste. It is also unlawful to leave waste or materials in a manner or place where they may discharge into storm drains.  

Best Management Practices to Prevent Illicit Stormwater Discharges  

• Use a commercial car wash facility instead of washing your car on the street. 

• Shovel or sweep dirt or debris to clean hardscape surfaces. 

• Never use water to hose down areas or push debris into the street or storm drain.  

• Food service equipment wash water must be discharged through grease capturing equipment. 

• Never wash restaurant floor mats, compost bins, or equipment on streets. 

• Dispose of household hazardous waste, used auto fluid, and batteries at designated recycling locations. 

• Always clean up after your pet. 

• Repair auto leaks. 

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. 

Please help keep our local waterways clean and report illicit storm drain discharges here or call (650)853-3189