Discharge Cleanup
Overview 
The County Watershed Program (CWP) coordinates with the Public Works Department's (PWD) Maintenance Division and other County Departments to clean up discharges as quickly and as safely as possible when or if the responsible parties (RP) are uncooperative or unable. RPs are held responsible for illicit discharges, and enforcement action can be taken against them in the form of civil or criminal penalties, administrative action, liens against property, and cost recovery.
The CWP directs dischargers to cease and clean-up stormwater discharges, including yard waste, litter and soil. Requires dry clean up of spills and formation of buffer zones along waterways. Investigates and issues Notice of Clean Water Violation (PDF) and Pollution Notice Door Hanger (PDF). The CWP works with the following County Departments and other government agencies to ensure appropriate response to the following types of discharges:
| Department / Agency | Discharges |
|---|---|
| PWD - Construction | Conducts field investigations of releases at the request of the CWP. |
| PWD - Maintenance, Road Crews | Recovers large items blocking or dumped along County maintained roadways. |
| PWD - Maintenance, Flood Control | Directs and overseas removal of large items by property owners, such as downed trees, landslides and large pieces of solid waste (such as mattresses). |
| Department of Health Services - Environmental Health Division | Investigates non-hazardous discharges. |
| Department of Health Services - Hazardous Materials Program | Responds to discharges of hazardous substances. |
| Department of Conservation and Development - Solid Waste | Provides oversight of general County solid waste programs. |
| Department of Conservation and Development - Code Enforcement | Directs property owners to clean up releases that may present health and safety concerns. |
| Department of Conservation and Development - Building Inspection | Provides enforcement of grading violations involving more than 200 cubic yards of soil. |
| Sheriff's Office | Investigates and cites illegal dumping incidents and unsecured loads. |
| District Attorney's Office, Environmental Crimes Unit | Assists in the prosecutorial process against dischargers. |
| California Department of Fish & Wildlife | Issues field citations and conducts enforcement for pollutant discharges and streambed alterations. |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) | Enforces California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act. |