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Clean Water Programs

The Port of Oakland’s Clean Water Program:

Doing Our Part to Keep the San Francisco Bay Clean.

Protecting Our Bay

The Port of Oakland (Port) is committed to conducting its operations in the most sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner possible. The Port's Clean Water Program is one example of this commitment to environmental stewardship.

Storm water, which includes contaminants washed from streets, homes, gardens, businesses and industrial areas, is the largest source of pollution in the San Francisco Bay. Motor oil, brake pad dust, pesticides, dirt and litter wash into storm drains leaving a clean street, but adding contaminants to the bay. Some of these contaminants can poison small fish, or be taken up and stored in their body tissues. As larger fish or birds feed on the small fish, contaminants accumulate and can be consumed by humans.

MUNICIPAL STORM WATER PROGRAM
In July 2013, the Port joined the statewide Municipal General Permit for storm water, which mandates many procedures and controls designed to reduce pollutants in runoff.

During the 5-year phase-in period, the Port will implement new initiatives to control pollution and     educate its employees, tenants and the public as to how they can help. The primary components of the Port’s Municipal Storm Water Program include:

INDUSTRIAL STORM WATER PROGRAM
The Port has worked in partnership with Port tenants to conduct pollution prevention training sessions, perform regular inspections at the Port and tenant facilities, and test and monitor storm flows to minimize the introduction of contaminants into the bay. The airport and its tenants currently operate under the State's Industrial General Permit.