Stormwater Programs
Stormwater Programs
The Port of Oakland's Stormwater Program Doing Our Part to Keep the San Francisco Bay Clean
The Port of Oakland (Port) is committed to conducting its operations in the most sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner possible. The Port’s Stormwater Program is one example of this commitment to environmental stewardship.
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.
Municipal General Permit Resources
The Port continues to implement permit requirements and 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, but are not limited to:
Public Outreach and Education
The Port seeks opportunities to incorporate environmental awareness into everyday Port business. Check out the Port’s first Annual Stormwater Program Newsletter (pdf) (May 2016) and a fun anti-trash video (wmv) prepared by Port staff!
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Port promotes IPM as a sensible and effective approach to managing pests in landscaped areas while reducing potential water quality impacts.
IPM Resources
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Storm drains are meant for conveying rainwater only, as rainwater runoff is not treated prior to discharging to the bay. Disposal of other wastes such as motor oil, paint, wash water, or pet waste down a storm drain can introduce pathogens, nutrients, detergents, and various toxic pollutants to our waterways. The Port is implementing a program to spot and eliminate illicit discharges.
Construction General Permit Resources
All construction or land-disturbance activity projects that disturb ≥1 acre of soil must comply with State Water Board’s Construction General Permit. This includes smaller projects (less than 1 acre) that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale (like a subdivision) that will ultimately disturb 1 or more acres.
Construction General Permit Resources
Post-Construction Storm Water Controls
The Port requires all new developments and redevelopments that create or replace ≥ 2,500 square feet of impervious surface to comply with the State Water Board’s Low Impact Development design standards. Please refer to the Port’s 2015 Post-Construction Stormwater Design Manual for guidance in the project design process. Smaller projects may still need to implement site design measures to reduce offsite storm water runoff.
Small Project Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
A Small Project SWPPP is required for all construction or land-disturbance activity projects that disturb less than one acre of soil, and for any project that includes outdoor material storage or staging areas. Small project SWPPPs must include:
- A project description detailing all phases and locations of the project;
- A site map identifying work areas, staging areas, storm drain inlets, and where Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented;
- Identification of potential sources of pollution;
- A summary of BMPs used to minimize discharges of pollutants in stormwater runoff (including spill kits);
- A monitoring plan to inspect the project site before and after storm events, including BMP assessments and site management efforts to prevent non-storm water discharges;
- Contact information for all personnel responsible for storm water protection;
- Notification procedures to inform the Port and other agencies in the event of spills or discharges of pollutants in storm water.
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.
Industrial General Permit Resources
Not sure who to contact or have a general question? Use our contact form to route your request