FAQs • Contra Costa County, CA • CivicEngage

Why does the County not maintain the culvert/ditch behind my house?: The County maintains only those drainage facilities required as a condition of development constructed to standards applicable at the time of construction and located in an easement, or other land right, dedicated to and accepted by the County.

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PW - Why can't I, Why do I, etc.

1. Why can’t I throw my grass clippings in the creek?: Grass clippings or other yard waste smothers natural vegetation and can add excessive nutrients to the creek. When the yard waste decays it introduces high nutrient levels, which reduces oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life in the creek. The material can also float downstream, lodge against trees, and become a major obstruction to stormwater flows. Current State regulations prohibit the discharge, dumping or release of potential pollutants into watercourses. This includes grass clippings and yard waste.

2. Why do I need a permit to work in the creek?: County ordinances require that proposed work in creeks in unincorporated areas be reviews and allowed only by a County Drainage Permit. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (FC District) boundaries cover all of Contra Costa County. Within FC District right of ways (where FC District faculties were built and are maintained) a FC District Encroachment Permit is required. Within it's right of way FC District can dictate construction standards and methods, hydraulic and hydrology calculation methods, and other standards such as freeboard standards. The County has adopted the FC District standards and so in the unincorporated areas the FC District standards are used. FEMA will require you to use the FCD flow rates in any FEMA study. Other State and Federal entities have authority to control work with in creeks and riparian areas. When you apply for a Drainage Permit or FC District Encroachment Permit, we ensure that the permits are obtained from those entities as well.

3. Why do they spray oil on the road before they place the asphalt during a road surface treatment?: The oil helps the new asphalt layer bond to the existing pavement below it.

4. Why do I not see construction activity associated with the road surface treatment when I drive by?: The normal construction day is between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Workers may be out earlier or later depending on what portion of the project they are working on.

5. Why does the County not maintain the culvert/ditch behind my house?: The County maintains only those drainage facilities required as a condition of development constructed to standards applicable at the time of construction and located in an easement, or other land right, dedicated to and accepted by the County.