West Valley Clean Water Program Authority Newsletter

Creek Connection I Stormwater News

May 2022

2022 Authority Board
The Authority’s 2022 Board Members are Chairperson Bryan Mekechuk (Monte Sereno), Vice-Chairperson Mary Badame (Los Gatos), Board Member Paul Resnikoff (Campbell), and Board Member Rishi Kumar (Saratoga). Current alternates include Susan Landry (Campbell), Maria Ristow (Los Gatos), Rowena Turner (Monte Sereno), and Mary-Lynne Bernald (Saratoga).

State Water Board Staff
Michael Montgomery (Executive Officer, Water Board) has accepted a position at USEPA and has left his position at the Water Board. Tom Mumley (Assistant Executive Officer, Water Board) has been appointed as the interim Executive Officer.

2022 Strategic Priorities
The Board unanimously adopted the Authority’s 2022 Strategic Priorities at its February 3, 2022, Board Meeting. The Authority will continue its focus on Permit Compliance, Administration and Finance, Stormwater Education, and Technology and Innovation. The Mission, Values, 2022 Strategic Priorities, and key initiatives can be found on our website.

Budget and Work Plan Adoption
The Authority’s FY2022-23 Budget and FY2022-23 Work Plan were approved by the Board at its regular meeting on May 5, 2022.

Hearing on Stormwater Property Assessments
On May 5, 2022, the Authority Board conducted a public hearing on the proposed storm sewer fees for FY2022-23 and approved the placement of the fees on the Santa Clara County property tax roll. Collection of the FY2022-23 storm sewer fees will begin in September 2022.

Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) Reissuance Updates
On May 11, 2022, the State Water Board adopted MRP 3.0 with a 4-0 vote, including two errata (errata 1 and errata 2) and supplemental, with no substantive changes/revisions. The final permit will be posted within the next couple of weeks. MRP 3.0 will go into effect on July 1^st of this year. Staff is preparing information/outreach tools/materials for the implementation of MRP 3.0.

Stormwater Treatment Measure Data Portal
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) staff have uploaded current project data. The Portal now provides project boundaries, maps of installed Stormwater Treatment Measures (STMs), trash full capture systems, and other features, and is available to agencies and the public.

Urban Creeks Monitoring Report
MRP Provision C.8 Water Quality Monitoring requires assessment of the condition of water quality in receiving waters (creeks and the Bay) and identifying impacts and management actions. These requirements are completed by SCVURPPP at a countywide level. The Urban Creeks Monitoring Report - Water Year 2020 is complete and available for review.

Corporation Yard Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
Campbell, Los Gatos, and Saratoga recently completed an update of Corporation Yard Stormwater Pollution Preventions Plans:

Campbell Corp Yard SWPPP
Los Gatos Corp Yard SWPPP
Saratoga Corp Yard SWPPP

Saratoga Stormwater Infrastructure Master Plan
In March 2022, the Saratoga City Council voted to allocate more than $7 million in ARPA funding toward several stormwater management projects in the city. See City of Saratoga’s Council Report for details.

Cost of Service and Long-term Funding Options Study
The Authority completed a Cost of Service and Long-term Funding Options Study. The Authority Board accepted the report at its November 4, 2021, Board meeting and recommended further evaluating cost recovery options and a public opinion poll after the November 2022 General Election to measure community priorities and willingness to support a potential future joint stormwater property-related fee.

Long-term Trash Reduction Guidance
SCVURPPP is developing a work plan to support long-term trash planning and review of control measures for permittees. Each permittee will receive an in-depth evaluation of trash control measure options specific to their agency toward fully addressing MRP 3.0 trash reduction goals. Meetings began in mid-late January 2022. Trash Generation maps are being updated, Authority staff is conducting On-land Visual Trash Assessments (OVTAs), and new trash Full Capture Devices are being installed in Campbell and Los Gatos. Final reports for trash control measure options are expected in June 2022.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plans and General Plan Updates
The cities of Campbell, Saratoga, and the Town of Los Gatos are currently in the process of updating their General Plans. As part of that process, new and updated language will be included to meet the requirements outlined in their GSI Plans. Monte Sereno will also add GSI language during their GP update due to begin in FY2022-23.

Our Water Our World (OWOW) Store Visits
Visits to local stores/nurseries that participate in the OWOW Program, to promote less toxic pest management, were completed in February and March 2022. Participating stores include Home Depot and Summer Winds Nursery in Campbell, Ace Hardware in Los Gatos, and Ace Hardware in Saratoga.

Sharks and Earthquakes Anti-Litter Campaign
The Authority has partnered with SCVURPPP member agencies to participate in an anti-litter ad campaign with the Sharks and the Earthquakes. The ads are placed at bus shelters, with the Sharks ads running in March and April 2022, and the Earthquakes ads in May and June 2022. Campbell’s locations include Bascom Ave. near Fewtrell Dr. and Civic Center Dr. near Central Ave. Los Gatos’s location is on Santa Cruz Ave near Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd.

Valley Water Grant – School Site Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The Authority’s grant project with Westmont High School for the 2021-2022 school year is underway. The students have conducted pollutant research, stormwater collection tests, and trash assessments of their campus. The students have finished their initial studies of source control and treatment control BMPs and are in the process of designing BMPs for their storm drains and problem spots on campus. They are also doing cost analysis and researching industry vendors for information and potential support for their designs. The students will present their findings to the Valley Water Board’s Youth Commission at their meeting on May 25, 2022, at 6:00 PM.

Valley Water Grant – Youth Commissions
The Authority continues to work with local youth commissions to implement stormwater pollution prevention projects. In March 2022, Campbell’s Youth Commission held a Clean Water Art Contest. Twelve submissions were received from 6^th-12^th grade students. Two winners were chosen to each receive a $100 prize, funded by the grant. The artwork of the two winners, Carter Gasiorowski and Anisha Maharjan, has been posted here on Instagram.

The Los Gatos Youth Commission worked with the Town to pass an updated Food Service Ware Ordinance. On April 19, 2022, Town Council approved the ordinance which bans certain single-use disposable food ware and packaging such as plates, cutlery, cups, lids, straws, and other containers. The new ban will take effect January 1, 2023.

Outreach and Public Information/Participation
The Authority’s winter campaign highlighted Green Stormwater Infrastructure Features with weekly #WaterWednesday posts.

After a two-year wait due to the Covid pandemic, Authority staff gave Enviroscape presentations to several classes at Village School, Saratoga Elementary School, and Rosemary Elementary School. The Authority also hosted an informational table at the following events: Saratoga High School’s Plant Swap/Earth Day, Blossom Festival, Spring Into Green, Saratoga’s Arbor Day, Campbell’s Arbor Day, and Keep America Beautiful.

Authority’s Members-Only Website
In February 2022, the Authority announced the launch of the Authority’s Members-Only pages on the cleancreeks.org website. The new pages provide additional reference information, reporting forms, BMPs, and training materials pertaining to each of the sections of the NPDES Permit. If you have not yet created an account, please contact Pia Lusk.

Pool and Spa Discharges
The Authority recently created a webpage and an infographic that provides guidance on the proper draining of pools and spas. This campaign also includes several residential newsletter articles and social media posts regarding proper drainage and reporting of pool water discharges to the Authority’s Stormwater Pollution Hotline and online Report a Spill Form.

Newsletter Articles
West Valley Collection & Recycling published two stormwater articles. One article targeted commercial businesses and Good Housekeeping. The second article targeted residents in the West Valley and focused on Rain Barrels.

SCVURPPP Earth Day Poster Challenge
The Authority participated in planning a Countywide Earth Day activity. The poster contest was open to students K-12 that reside in Santa Clara County. First and second-place winners of each of the three age groups are currently being determined. Several submissions were made by students of the West Valley.

Training/Conferences
Construction Site Stormwater Inspector Workshop, March 9, 2022
Topics included Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs from CalTrans staff, storm drain inlet protection BMPs, MRP 3.0 update, and stormwater pollution prevention. Post-meeting materials are available.

2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping, April 19 to April 21, 2022
Alameda County hosted its 2^nd annual statewide conference on illegal dumping. The Conference was focused on a "Three E's" strategy to end illegal dumping: Education, Eradication, and Enforcement. Post-conference materials are available.

SCVURPPP Rural Roads Training, May 11 and 12, 2022
Topics included use and installation of sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices (BMPs). Post-meeting materials will be made available on the members-only site.

SCVURPPP IND/IDDE Stormwater Inspector Training Workshop, May 26, 2022
The workshop will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM via Zoom Webinar. Topics will include illicit discharge case studies and what to expect in the reissued MRP 3.0 for Provisions C.4/C.5. Register by May 23, 2022.

SCVURPPP New Development Workshop, June 9, 2022
The workshop will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom Webinar. Topics will include low impact development and green infrastructure compliance, new MRP 3.0 stormwater permit requirements, and stormwater control plans for development projects. See Workshop Announcement. Register by June 6, 2022. 

California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Annual Conference, October 24 to 26, 2022
Join fellow stormwater practitioners and exhibitors for in-depth training and discussions addressing a wide range of challenges and opportunities facing stormwater professionals in California and beyond. Registration opens May 16, 2022. Registration & Information

Upcoming Meetings and Events
National River Cleanup Day, May 21, 2022, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Registration & Information
Delta Queen Classic Car Wash Half-Off Event, May 24, 2022, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Los Gatos Parks & Public Works Open House, May 25, 2022, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Los Gatos Farmers’ Market, June 12, 2022, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Authority Board Meeting, September 1, 2022, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT)

Please share any content in the Authority newsletters in your agency publications. Likewise, if you would like to share any stormwater information with other member agencies, please email Pia Lusk and we will include it in our next publication.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and at cleancreeks.org!

Creek Connection I Stormwater News

December 2021

As we reflect on the challenges of 2021, we are grateful for the opportunities we had to support the Authority, Board of Directors, and member agency staff. We thank you and want to express our gratitude and good wishes in the coming year.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) Reissuance

The State Water Board staff released the MRP 3.0 Tentative Order for public comment on September 10, and held public workshops on October 12 and 13. MRP 3.0 adoption is tentatively planned for March 9, 2022. Click here for a Summary of Significant Proposed MRP 3.0 Changes and a list of early planning tasks that may be needed to address implementation timelines in the MRP 3.0 Tentative Order.

FY2020-21 Annual NPDES Reports

The FY2020-21 Annual Reports were submitted to the State Water Board on September 30. The annual report provides documentation of activities conducted during FY2020-21. The reports can be found on the Authority’s website at:

Campbell FY2020-21 Annual Report

Los Gatos FY2020-21 Annual Report

Monte Sereno FY2020-21 Annual Report

Saratoga FY2020-21 Annual Report

2020-2021 SCVURPPP Program Summary

Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) published its 2020-2021 SCVURPPP Program Summary. The report highlights their accomplishments during the year, summarizes our creeks, watersheds, and stormwater management programs, and takes a look forward towards the future.

State Stormwater Permit Fees

On September 22, the State Water Board adopted a 2021 fee schedule for regulated dischargers. NPDES stormwater permit fees were increased by 17.9% for 2021. The California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), the statewide stormwater program, provided written comments and made verbal comments at the hearing.

FY2022-23 SCVURPPP Budget

SCVURPPP distributed its Draft FY2022-23 Program Budget for comment. The proposed budget assumes a 7.2% increase over FY2021-22 to primarily fund new requirements related to MRP 3.0. The budget will be considered at the SCVURPPP’s January 2022 Management Committee meeting.
 
Cost of Service and Long-term Funding Options Study
The Authority completed a Cost of Service and Long-term Funding Options Study. The Authority Board accepted the report at its November 4 Board meeting and recommended further evaluating cost recovery options, and a public opinion poll after the November 2022 General Election to measure community priorities and willingness to support a potential future joint stormwater property-related fee.

Microplastics

A new report released by the San Francisco Estuary Institute in late October provides an in-depth assessment of the pathways and sources of microplastics in urban runoff and an assessment of the importance of known sources of microplastics. The report also includes possible management options from prevention to mediation. The full report can be found here: A Synthesis of Microplastic Sources and Pathways to Urban Runoff.

Trash Controls White Paper

In collaboration with the Alameda and San Mateo countywide programs, SCVURPPP developed a White Paper on Trash True Source Controls, which provides a history of source control efforts in the Bay Area and documents the demonstrated benefits of trash true source controls.

Long-term Trash Reduction Guidance
SCVURPPP has developed a work plan to support long-term trash planning and control measure for permittees. Each permittee will receive in-depth evaluation of trash control measure options specific to their agency toward fully addressing MRP 3.0 trash reduction goals. Meetings will begin in mid-late January 2022 with final reports expected to be completed by June 2022.

Tracking Pollutants of Concern (POC) Control Measure Implementation
SCVURPPP’s Stormwater Treatment Measures Data Portal is now available to the public at https://scvurppp.org/gsi/. The data portal includes Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) projects constructed on private properties and public projects constructed in the public right-of-way.

GSI/LID Video
SCVURPPP developed an educational video on local GSI/LID features which can be found on the GSI page of the Watershed Watch website and is offered to member agencies for local outreach. The five-minute video focuses on bioretention areas, pervious pavement, and rain barrels and is intended to introduce the layperson to GSI/LID features, raise awareness about local GSI efforts, and provide information to incorporate these features into residential landscapes. The video is also available in a two-minute version.

Our Water Our World (OWOW) Store Visits
First round visits are complete to local stores/nurseries that participate in the OWOW Program and promote less toxic pest management. Participating stores include: Home Depot and Summer Winds Nursery in Campbell, Ace Hardware in Los Gatos, and Ace Hardware in Saratoga.

Valley Water Grant – School Site Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The Authority’s grant project with Westmont High School for the 2021-2022 school year has commenced. The grant’s purpose is to educate high school students over the course of the school year about pollution entering our waterways and to assist students in developing a School Site SWPPP to reduce pollutants flowing off their campus. After completing the project, students will present their report to the Valley Water Board.

Valley Water Grant – Youth Commissions
The Authority is working with local youth commissions to implement a stormwater pollution prevention project in FY2021-22. Students will learn about stormwater pollution and take personal action or work as a group to reduce stormwater pollution in the community.

Fall/Winter Outreach and Public Information/Participation
The Authority’s fall/winter campaign features Stormy the Storm Drain with weekly #WaterWednesday posts. In addition to messages focused on litter, reusable products, microplastics, leaves, and illegal dumping, two new GIFs focusing on pet waste disposal and securing tarps were created.

Newsletter Articles
West Valley Collection & Recycling published several stormwater articles including: Single-use Plastics (Fall Commercial Newsletter) and Eco-friendly Lunches (Fall Residential Newsletter). The City of Monte Sereno also published the Authority’s article in their Fall “Peaceful Mountain Monitor” Newsletter.

Valley Water’s 2021 Volunteer Recognition Award
The Authority was one of six recipients who received Valley Water’s 2021 Volunteer Recognition Award. The recipients were selected by the Valley Water Board for their outstanding performance and ability to take on leadership roles in various creek cleanup events throughout the year.
 
Trainings and Meetings

Online Visual Trash Assessment (OVTA) Trainings were held in November and December. Three trainings were held covering the background and regulatory requirements related to OVTAs, the practices and protocols for performing the assessments, and how load reduction calculations are conducted. Please contact Sheila Tucker or Julie Schaer for access to video trainings and materials.

Authority Board Meeting, Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PST), Monte Sereno City Hall, 18041 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd., Monte Sereno, CA 95030.

Please share any content in the Authority newsletters in your agency publications. Likewise, if you would like to share any stormwater information with other member agencies, please email Pia Lusk and we will include it in our next publication. 

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and at cleancreeks.org!

Creek Connection I Stormwater News

September 2021
 
NPDES Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) Reissuance

The State Water Board released the new Tentative Order (TO) for the next MRP on September 10, 2021. The Water Board will hear public testimony on October 12 and 13, 2021, close the 60-day comment period on November 9, and consider adoption of the new MRP early next year. The new requirements would take effect July 1, 2022. New or expanded requirements are anticipated to have significant resource implications to public agencies in the areas of development and green infrastructure, trash, homelessness, mercury and PCBs, water quality monitoring, asset management and cost reporting. The draft TO can be found here: Draft TO.

Construction Stormwater General Permit
The State Water Board released the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CGP) Tentative Order (TO) for review and comment. Proposed new language would trigger additional requirements for Capital Improvement Projects of 1 acre or more that require permit coverage under the CGP, such as road maintenance. The California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), on behalf of all permittees in the state, submitted a comment letter opposing the new road maintenance language. The draft CGP can be found here: Draft CGP.
 
GSI Handbook Part 2 and Vegetation Field Guide
The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) is continuing revisions to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission details for general components related to bioretention and pervious pavement and other updates. A mulch specification for bioretention systems is also being developed, as well as a new field guide focusing on Green Stormwater Infrastructure vegetation management and maintenance.

FY2020-21 Annual NPDES Report
Authority and municipal staff are preparing the FY2020-21 Annual Reports for submittal to the State Water Board by September 30, 2021. Following the submittal, the Authority will upload the reports to its website. Authority staff will provide a high-level summary of the annual reports at the Authority Board meeting in November 2021.
 
Corporation Yard SWPPPs Updates
Beginning in October 2021 the Authority will kick-off the Corporation Yard updates with Campbell, Los Gatos and Saratoga. Consistent with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, Provision C.2.f, the Authority’s member agencies must develop, implement, and maintain Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for their respective municipal corporation yards. The SWPPPs identify the potential sources of pollutants on site as well as best management practices (BMPs) to reduce or eliminate discharges. The current SWPPPs were last updated in FY2011-12.

Industrial/Commercial Inspection Training Video
The Authority finalized a training video in coordination with the Santa Clara County Fire Department on how to conduct a stormwater inspection. There are four modules to the video. All stormwater inspectors must complete four modules of online training annually, and attain a minimum passing score of 80% on quizzes for each module (Module 1, Module 2, Module 3, Module 4).

Stormwater Treatment Measure (STM) Data Portal
SCVURPPP staff have uploaded the project data for FY2018-19 and FY2019-20. The Data Portal now provides project boundaries, maps of installed storm treatment measures, trash full capture systems, and other features, and is available to agencies and the public. For more information contact Julie Schaer.
 
Classification and Compensation Study
The Authority concluded its classification and market compensation comparison study. The final report was presented to the Board at its September meeting. The report can be found here: Final Class/Comp Study.
 
Grants
The Clean California Local Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will provide approximately $296 million as part of a two-year program for litter abatement, public outreach, and beautification projects. Caltrans is conducting an upcoming workshop to develop guidelines for the Clean California Local Grant Program. The workshop will be held on October 7, 2021. For more information about the grants go to the Clean California Local Grant Program Factsheet (PDF).
 
Valley Water Grant – Youth Commissions
The Authority is working with local Youth Commissions to evaluate interest and options for implementing a stormwater pollution prevention project in FY2021-22. Students will learn about stormwater pollution and take personal action or work as a group to reduce stormwater pollution in the community. 

Outreach and Public Information/Participation
Social Media Pilot Program
In April 2020, the Authority conducted a social media pilot program utilizing four social media platforms in its general outreach campaigns. The platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The final report for the year-long pilot can be found here: Social Media Pilot Program Report. The Authority will continue to utilize social media as it provides additional means to engage the community and convey information about stormwater pollution and maximize efforts to meet the public information and outreach requirements of the Municipal Regional Permit.
 
Pesticide Alternative Videos
In May 2021 the Authority released three new short videos for alternative solutions to pesticides for Yellowjackets and Mosquitoes, and Water Wise methods.
 
Creek Cleanups
The Authority and its member agencies promoted May’s month-long Virtual National River Cleanup 2021. Additionally, the Authority cohosted a creek cleanup with South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition on May 17, 2021. Twenty-five volunteers removed approximately 1.5 tons of trash along the Los Gatos Creek at Creekside Way. The CA Coastal Cleanup Day was held on September 18, with sites throughout Santa Clara County. The Authority hosted a site at Creekside Way in Campbell, and Los Gatos Parks and Public Works hosted a site along the Los Gatos Creek Trail between Forbes and Lexington. Volunteers removed over 900 lbs. of trash from both sites.
 
Underpass Mural Art
In June 2021, the installation of Andrew Roulette’s mural design under the Creekside Way Bridge in Campbell along the Los Gatos Creek Trail was completed. The mural was featured in this Mercury News Article.
 
GSI/LID Video
SCVURPPP developed an educational video on local GSI/LID features, focusing on bioretention areas, pervious pavement, and rain barrels. The intent is to introduce the layperson to GSI/LID features, raise awareness about local GSI efforts, and provide information to incorporate these features into residential landscapes. The video showcases the City of Campbell and its green street features on Hacienda Avenue and a pervious driveway water demonstration on a new development on Hickory Court. In addition, the video will feature the Authority’s new animated GIFs focused on GSI features. The video is posted on the GSI page of the Watershed Watch website and will also be provided to member agencies for local outreach.
 
Newsletter Articles
West Valley Collection & Recycling published several stormwater articles including: Restaurant BMPs Infographic (Spring Commercial Newsletter) and Earth Smart Actions Infographic (Spring Residential Newsletter). The City of Monte Sereno also published the Authority’s article in their Spring “Peaceful Mountain Monitor” newsletter.
 
Outreach Events
Participation in community events commenced for the first time since October 2019. The Authority had an information table at Monte Sereno’s City Picnic on August 22 and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on August 28. Dates for Los Gatos and Campbell Farmers’ Markets have been scheduled in September and October. See “Upcoming Meetings and Events” below for details.
 
FY2020-21 Upcoming Trainings/Conferences
CASQA Conference, Recovery and Resilience Registration Link Oct 26-27 (Virtual)
ReScape Design Qualification Training Webinar Registration Link Nov 2021
ReScape Maintenance Qualification Training Online Registration Link Nov/Dec 2021 
ReScape Design/Maintenance Qualification Renewal Training Webinar Registration Link Dec 2021

Upcoming Meetings and Events
Los Gatos Farmers’ Market, Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Campbell Farmers’ Market, Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Authority Board Meeting, Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT), Monte Sereno City Hall, 18041 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd. Monte Sereno, CA 95030.
 
Please share any content in the Authority newsletters in your agency publications. Likewise, if you would like to share any stormwater information with other member agencies, please email Pia Lusk and we will include it in our next publication.
 
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and at cleancreeks.org!