What enters a storm drain can affect the quality of life
Stormwater picks up and carries pollution as it runs off rooftops, parking lots, lawns and other surfaces. These pollutants include motor oil, fertilizer, litter and pet waste. The polluted stormwater that flows through storm drains does not get treated before emptying into our streams, rivers and lakes. The combined contribution of pollution from many storm drains can negatively impact water quality, harm aquatic life and degrade the recreational/aesthetic value of our streams, rivers and likes.
It Could Be Illegal
If it is not rainwater entering the storm drain then it is most likely illegal. On August 3, 2009, the City of Renton passed Ordinance #5478 to regulate the City’s storm drain system. The regulations were amended on December 11, 2017 with the passage of Ordinance #5873. The purpose of the regulations is to prevent pollutant discharges that would adversely impact surface water and groundwater quality of the city and the state of Washington, in order to comply with requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. The city initially relies on education and informational assistance to gain compliance with the regulations.
Report a pollutant spill
The City of Renton responds to any illicit discharge or spill that enters our city’s public drainage system or threatens a local waterway. Illicit discharges (Ordinance #5873, J - Discharge Prohibition, p2) refer to the prohibition of solid and liquid materials, other than surface water and stormwater, from entering the public storm drain system.
Please report spills within the city as soon as possible to limit damage to city storm systems and natural water bodies (streams, rivers and lakes).
If the spill material is a hazardous material, call 911.