New Port of Oakland Regulations to Keep Pollution from SF Bay

Tight limits on storm water runoff will be enforced along 20 miles of shoreline

Oakland, CA - April 6, 2015: Water going down the drain shouldn’t be written off as water under the bridge; it should be as clean as rain water. That’s the message from the Port of Oakland in a new Storm Water Ordinance which takes effect this month. The measure, adopted by the Board of Port Commissioners in January, is intended to keep waters clean along the Port’s 20 miles of San Francisco Bay shoreline.

“We have a public responsibility to protect the waterways near our operations,” said Richard Sinkoff, the Port’s Director of Environmental Programs and Planning. “This new ordinance gives Port staff the authority needed to meet Clean Water Act requirements.”

The Port said it’s preparing enforcement guidelines to keep trash and other contaminants from entering storm drains or the Bay. The new rules, which are similar to those in effect at other airports, seaports and municipalities throughout California, could have far-reaching impacts.

Port of Oakland property including its seaport, Oakland International Airport and commercial real estate, covers more than 4,000 acres. More than 80 storm water outfalls from that property deposit thousands of gallons of runoff into the San Francisco Bay or adjacent Oakland Estuary. The Port’s goal: keep it all clean.

The Port said tenants and contractors will be required to comply with the Storm Water Ordinance. To enforce the rules, it will examine runoff for contaminants and investigate violations.

The Storm Water Ordinance aligns the Port with recent federal Clean Water Act requirements for storm water management.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.