Preventing storm drain pollution caused by industrial pollutants is the goal of a new city program being undertaken in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulations.

To minimize the hazards of storm drain pollution, the City of Alhambra Utilities Department has initiated a program (in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulations) in which industrial plants, auto body shops, gas stations, restaurants and other businesses will be inspected to eliminate non-stormwater discharges, and to ensure that the best management practices are being implemented to decrease the potential for pollutants entering the City's storm drain system.

Initial inspections will be conducted, under contract, by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Section; the City of Alhambra will then initiate business inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Inspectors will be checking for potential exposure to discharge pollutants at loading/unloading areas, raw/final material and equipment storage, outside manufacturing processes, waste disposal areas, and will review cleaning practices. Where appropriate, inspectors will observe drains, pipes, and drainage areas to observe any evidence of spills.

The City is consulting with the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Assocation to inform such businesses of this new pollution inspection program, and will meet with business owners/managers to tour their sites -- checking for compliance -- and to assist them in initiating management practices that will prevent polluted runoff.

Working together -- individuals, businesses and local government -- we can make a difference in preventing pollution of our storm drain system, and thereby enhance the safety of our beaches and oceans. A win-win-win situation for us all!