Chiarman's Message

Welcome to the Stormwater Committee Webpage

The Stormwater Committee was formed to add value to ASCE membership and to address stormwater issues we all encounter every day. The Committee provides a forum for networking in an atmosphere that includes dinners, workshops, calendar of events, and seminars. These activities are in addition to those already offered by the ASCE San Bernardino & Riverside Counties Branch. The public is welcomed to attend and participate in the Committee as a volunteer. Also included is access to our committee members, and additional links of helpful information. For anyone who would like to get involved and volunteer for a committee or one of our public outreach events, please contact any of the current committee members for assistance. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our site please contact Bill Flores. We hope to see everyone at our upcoming events.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ASCE and to the Stormwater Committee.

Sincerely,
Bill Flores Jr., P.E., M.ASCE, CPESC, CPSWQ
Stormwater Committee, Chairman

Compost Yard Trimmings

Dispose of yard clippings and waste in a compost bin or other green containers. Your bin can be cubed, approximately 3' x 3' x 3', or a 5' diameter hoop of hardware wire. You can layer the materials in the bin by alternating 3-4" layer of grass clippings, manure, or kitchen scraps and 3-4" layer of leaves, sawdust, and wood chips. Or you may mix them up and place them in layers in the bin. Water the compost as you build the bin. Contact your local Recycling Authority for further details.

Dispose of Trash Properly

Much of what we throw away as trash is considered recyclable! It is estimated that of the 4 tons of trash that washes up on beaches--over 80% of it could have been recycled!

Separate items thoughtfully and discard only what is non-recyclable. Recycle paper, plastics, and glass through your local Curbside Recycling Program.

Keep a trash bag in the car and use it! Do not throw anything out the window. Keep up car maintenance to reduce leakage of oil, anti-freeze and other fluids.

Contact the State of California Department of Conservation Recycling Hotline 1-800-RECYCLE to receive information on what and where to recycle according to your zip code.

Pick up After Your Pets

One of the biggest contributors to urban runoff pollution is through every day activities through the improper disposal of pet waste. Often times when people walk their pets, they do not clean up their pet's waste. This can be a problem for a few reasons: Pet waste carries with it numerous bacteria such as the potentially harmful E-coli bacteria. This bacteria, through fecal matter, often makes its way into the storm drain, which ultimately makes its way into lakes and streams.

Here are some easy solutions:

• Take a plastic bag with you to the park - when your loved one is "done", put the waste into the plastic bag and dispose of it in a trash receptacle.
• Pick up a "pooper scooper" from your local pet supply store.
• Regularly pick up pet waste in your yard to prevent waste from making its way to the gutter and storm drains

Don't Let the Hose Run

Did you know that residents use up to 90 % of their drinking water to irrigate lawns and landscaping during the summer months. Over watering our lawns wastes water and can transport pollutants like pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides into the streets and eventually into the stormwater system. Help protect stormwater by following these simple lawn and household water guidelines:

• When washing your car, use biodegradable soap with as little water as possible.
  • Shut off the hose while washing your car and then rinse.
• Some lawns require more or less water, depending upon the type of grass you have.
  • Adding or removing one minute from the watering time will change the amount of water you use by 25 %.
• Don't water when it's windy or rainy.
• Schedule start times at least one hour apart. Use the cycle & soak method of watering.
• If your timer has a "skip day" mode, it is suggested to water lawns 4 to 5 days apart in the winter and 2 to 3 days apart in the spring and fall. Please check with your locate city guidelines.