West Valley Clean Water Authority Newsletter

Creek Connection I Stormwater News

December 2022

The West Valley Clean Water Authority (Authority) would like to extend a very special thank you to the Authority’s departing board members, Paul Resnikoff, Rishi Kumar, and Mary-Lynne Bernald, for their contributions to the program over the last several years. The Authority would also like to thank the Board of Directors and member agency staff for their continued support during this last year and into 2023.

FY2021-22 Annual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Reports
The FY2021-22 Annual NPDES Reports were submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board on September 30, 2022. The annual reports provide documentation of the activities conducted during FY2021-22. The reports can be found on the Authority’s website at:

Campbell FY2021-22 Annual Report
Los Gatos FY2021-22 Annual Report
Monte Sereno FY2021-22 Annual Report
Saratoga FY2021-22 Annual Report

Water Board staff conducted a “completeness” level review to confirm that all permittees submitted all sections of the FY2021-22 Annual Reports, and a more focused review of C.4 (Industrial and Commercial Site Controls), C.6 (Construction Site Controls), and C.10 (Trash Load Reduction). The Authority is assisting municipal staff to provide responses to the Water Board’s comments and questions. For additional information contact Sheila Tucker.

Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) Proposed Budget
The SCVURPPP is proposing a 9% budget increase in FY2022-23. The primary increases include the cost to implement the new Municipal Regional Permit 3.0 (MRP) monitoring requirements (Trash/Low Impact Development), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)/Mercury load reduction programs, and a 4% labor increase. The SCVURPPP Management Committee will consider approval of the budget at its January 19, 2023, meeting.

Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) Fourth Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Approval of the Fourth Amendment to the MOU is under review and consideration. The MOU outlines its countywide members, management committee roles and responsibilities, cost allocations, and other organizational terms and provisions. The SCVURPPP Management Committee will consider moving the Amendment forward to the signature stage at their January 19, 2023, meeting. The West Valley cities/Town Councils will have 90 days to approve the Memorandum of Agreement.

State National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Fees
On September 20, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a 2022 fee schedule for regulated dischargers. There were no increases in the NPDES municipal stormwater permit fees for 2022. The fee schedule documents are linked to the meeting agenda.

Authority Executive Assistant Recruitment
The Authority is recruiting for a part-time Executive Assistant. The job announcement is posted here: Executive Assistant | CalOpps. The initial cutoff for applications is December 16, 2022. The job will remain open until filled.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) Reissuance
The Water Board adopted the MRP 3.0 Revised Tentative Order on May 11, 2022. A summary of the key new and expanded requirements can be found here: Summary. The MRP 3.0 Five-Year Work Plan including provisions, sub-provisions, changes from MRP 2.0, implementation lead, implementation/due dates, and reporting dates is posted here: MRP 3.0 Five-Year Work Plan.

New Development and Redevelopment New Requirements (Provision C.3)
New development and redevelopment projects above certain impervious surface area thresholds are required to treat stormwater runoff using Low Impact Development (LID) techniques or Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). These techniques may include the construction of bioretention areas, pervious pavement, and infiltration structural control measures. MRP 3.0 reduces the impervious surface area thresholds from 10,000 sf to 5,000 sf for most types of projects. Beginning July 1, 2023, the following projects will be required to implement LID treatment:

- Private and public new development and redevelopment projects that replace/create ≥ 5,000 sf of impervious area.

- New roads or lane additions that replace/create ≥ 5,000 sf of impervious area.

- Some road repair or improvement activities ≥ 5,000 sf of contiguous impervious area.

- Road reconstruction and pavement widening projects that create/replace ≥ 1 acre of contiguous impervious area, including major utility trenching projects.

- Single-family homes that create/replace ≥ 10,000 sf of impervious area. 

Permittees are also required to retrofit existing public streets and parking lots to treat stormwater runoff with LID/GSI measures. The West Valley cities/Town must construct GSI projects during the permit term to meet the MRP 3.0 target of 3 acres treated per 50,000 population. The City of Campbell’s target is 2.51 acres. The Town of Los Gatos and the City of Saratoga’s targets are 1.81 acres, and the City of Monte Sereno’s target is 0.21 acres. The targets can be met at the countywide level however, each agency must individually implement at least one GSI project, with a minimum of 0.2 acres treated.

The Authority conducted a C.3 kickoff meeting with City Planning & Public Works staff in September to begin preparing for new requirements for development, roads, and right-of-way projects. Please note the Year-1 MRP 3.0 C.3 Work Plan deliverables. The cities/Town formed implementation teams and are holding regular work group meetings. Review and updates to outreach materials are underway for Notice to Applicant and Developer Fact Sheets. A new fact sheet is underway for single-family residential homes. Teams are currently conducting reviews for legal authority and identifying projects in the pipeline that will be grandfathered to MRP 2.0 C.3 requirements.

New Pesticide Reporting, Tracking, and Integrated Pest Management Plans (Provision C.9)
Cities/Town, and their contractors, are required to track new pesticides of concern beginning July 1, 2022. These include three new pyrethroids: (S)-Cypermethrin, Alpha-Cypermethrn, and Permethrin, and three Neoniccotoids: Imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and Dinotefuran. Please note the new Pesticide Tracking Form. The new MRP requires the submittal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plans to the Water Board with the 2023 Annual Reports. Review and updates of the IPM Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Trash Load Reductions (Provisions C.10)
Permittees are required to continue implementing control measures and other actions to reduce trash loads from municipal storm drain systems and achieve the following trash reduction benchmarks (relative to established baseline levels): 90 percent trash reduction by June 30, 2023; and 100 percent trash reduction by June 30, 2025. Authority staff continues to work with city/town staff and SCVURPPP to update trash maps, install full capture devices, complete fieldwork, and update trash plans and programs to meet trash load reduction targets.

Cost Reporting (Provision C.21)
MRP 3.0 includes a new provision that requires Permittees to develop a regional cost reporting framework and methodology by June 30, 2023. Starting in FY2024-25, the cities/Town will be required to track their costs of complying with the MRP and submit these costs annually to the Regional Water Board, using the approved framework. Authority staff is working on a regional work group to develop the cost reporting framework. 

Discharges Associated with Unsheltered Homeless Populations (Provision C.17)
MRP 3.0 adds a new requirement to address potential stormwater quality concerns associated with unsheltered homeless populations. The West Valley cities/Town are required to develop maps identifying the approximate location(s) of unsheltered homeless populations, compile information on current practices to manage discharges associated with these populations, and plan for the implementation of enhanced actions to address current/potential stormwater quality concerns. All agencies in the county will be relying on Santa Clara County's Point-in-Time Counts and Survey of Unsheltered Individuals to meet the mapping requirements. 
 
Watershed Watch Consultant Selection Request for Proposal (RFP)
The SCVURPPP issued an RFP to retain the services of an outreach and marketing consultant to plan and implement its multi-year Watershed Watch Campaign. The final selection is in progress.

Valley Water Grant - Youth Commissions
The Authority continues to work with local youth commissions to implement stormwater pollution prevention projects. Saratoga's Youth Commission is organizing a SED Talk event on February 4, 2023, and is currently working to incorporate stormwater into the program. The Authority has offered assistance to the Los Gatos Youth Commission regarding outreach for the Town's Food Service Ware Ordinance which will take effect January 1, 2023. 

Municipal Operations Tailgate Training Factsheets (Provision C.2)
The C.2 Tailgate Training Factsheets are currently being finalized. They will consist of BMP handouts and training guides for street and road repair, plaza, sidewalk, and graffiti cleaning, bridge and structure maintenance, and sanitization procedures.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in San Francisco Bay Water
Scientists with the San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program detected PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," at parts per trillion concentrations in the waters of the Bay. A recent report finds the contaminants present in Bay water including the well-studied PFOS and PFOA, as well as their replacements. Visit SFEI.org for more information.

Outreach and Public Information/Participation
The Authority's #WaterWednesday fall campaign consisted of messages concerning litter, pet waste, auto pollutants, car washing, reusable products, leaves, and spill reporting. Since the last publication of the Creek Connections Newsletter, the Authority has participated in several community and school events: Saratoga’s Farmers’ Market (September 10), Coastal Cleanup Day (September 17), Los Gatos Teen Community Day (September 20), Saratoga State of the City (October 1), Saratoga Westgate Classic Car Wash (October 19), Los Gatos Farmers’ Market (November 6), Village School Enviroscape Presentation (November 7), and Campbell Farmers’ Market (December 4).

Newsletter Articles
The City of Monte Sereno published the Authority's article on the new MRP 3.0 stormwater regulations in their Fall "Peaceful Mountain Monitor" Newsletter. West Valley Collection & Recycling published two stormwater articles: Greening Streets, Buildings and Parking Lots (Fall Commercial Newsletter) and Ecological Landscape Design (Fall Residential Newsletter).
 
Recent and Upcoming Training/Conferences
2022 California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Annual Conference - Over 1,000 attendees gathered for the conference in October to celebrate milestones and talk about the future of stormwater.
2023 California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Virtual Annual Meeting - January 19, 2023. The event will focus on the state of California stormwater, including the most significant regulatory initiatives related to stormwater quality as well as CASQA’s Priorities for 2023.

Upcoming Meetings and Events
Capri Elementary School Presentation, December 15, 2022, 8:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Authority Board Meeting, February 2, 2023, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 
Saratoga Farmers' Market, February 25, 2023, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Please share any content in the Authority newsletters in your agency publications. Likewise, if you would like to share any stormwater information with other cities/Town, 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 2022

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) FY2021-22 Annual Reports
The West Valley Clean Water Authority (Authority) and municipal staff are preparing the FY2021-22 Annual Reports for submission to the State Water Board by September 30, 2022. Following the submittal, the reports will be available at FY2021-22 Annual Reports. 

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.

NPDES Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) Reissuance
After three years of meetings and negotiations, the Water Board adopted the MRP 3.0 Revised Tentative Order on May 11, 2022. The Final Order is posted here: MRP 3.0. MRP 3.0 significantly increases the regulatory requirements from MRP 2.0 that public agencies in the Bay Area must comply with to address potential impacts associated with discharges to local creeks and the San Francisco Bay from municipal storm drain systems. A summary of the key new and expanded requirements can be found here: Summary. The MRP 3.0 Five-Year Work Plan including provisions, sub-provisions, changes from MRP 2.0, implementation lead, implementation/due dates, and reporting dates is posted here: MRP 3.0 Five-Year Work Plan.

Stormwater Treatment Measure Data Portal
The Stormwater Treatment Measures Data Portal is available here: STM Data Portal - Map. The portal provides data on the Regulated and Non-regulated GSI projects in Santa Clara County. The current structure of the database is in Phase I. Phase 2 is planned to be completed late in FY2022-23. Additional functionality will be added to the database as well during future phases to align with MRP 3.0 Asset Management requirements.

Our Water Our World (OWOW) Store Visits
The final round of store visits for FY2021-22 are complete. Participating stores in the West Valley include Home Depot and Summer Winds Nursery in Campbell, Ace Hardware in Los Gatos, and Ace Hardware in Saratoga.

On-land Visual Trash Assessments (OVTAs)
All on-land visual trash assessments for FY2021-22 are complete. Member agencies concluded FY2021-22 by decreasing trash levels from the baseline as follows: City of Monte Sereno 100%, City of Campbell 96%, City of Saratoga 96%, and the Town of Los Gatos 93%.

Earthquakes Anti-Litter Campaign
The Authority partnered with Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) member agencies to participate in an anti-litter ad campaign with the Earthquakes. The ads were placed at bus shelters and ran in May and June 2022. Campbell’s locations included Bascom Ave. near Fewtrell Dr. and Civic Center Dr. near Central Ave. Los Gatos’s location was on Santa Cruz Ave near Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd.

Caltrans Stormwater Permit Adopted
The State Water Board reissued the Caltrans Stormwater Permit on June 22, 2022. The permit goes into effect on January 1, 2023. Under the new permit, Caltrans will expand its assessment of significant trash generating areas to include all rights-of-way within permitted MS4s, including on and off ramps within or adjacent to a permitted MS4.

Earth Day Poster Challenge
The Authority initiated a collaborative outreach project with SCVURPPP partners to create and conduct the Watershed Watch Earth Day Poster Challenge for Santa Clara County K-12 students, with first and second place winners in three age brackets. Artwork was to reflect a response as to why local waterways were important or how water pollution could be prevented. The winners were announced in May 2022, two of whom reside in the West Valley. Winning artwork can be viewed at: Contest Winners.

Watershed Watch Consultant Selection Request for Proposal (RFP)
SCVURPPP issued an RFP to retain the services of an outreach and marketing consultant to plan and implement its multi-year Watershed Watch Campaign. The main objective of the campaign is to educate and change behaviors within targeted audiences to prevent stormwater pollution in Santa Clara Valley waterways. Proposals are due on September 26, 2022.

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 concluded. The students conducted pollutant research, stormwater collection tests, and trash assessments of their campus. After finishing their initial studies of source control and treatment control Best Management Practices (BMPs), the students designed BMPs for their storm drains and problem spots on campus. In May 2022, the students presented their findings to the Valley Water Board’s Youth Commission.

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. The two winners, Carter Gasiorowski and Anisha Maharjan, each received a $100 Valley Water grant-funded prize. The winning artwork is 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 #WaterWednesday summer campaign consisted of four videos featuring eco-friendly alternatives to pesticides for Weeds, Aphids, Ants, and Mosquitoes.

Since the last publication of the Creek Connections Newsletter, the Authority has participated in several community events: National River Cleanup Day (May 21), Delta Queen Classic Car Wash (May 24), Los Gatos Parks & Public Works Open House (May 25), Los Gatos Farmers’ Market (June 1), Saratoga Movie Night (August 19), Monte Sereno City Picnic (August 21) and Campbell Farmers’ Market (August 28). The Authority is scheduled to participate at several other community events this fall.

Newsletter Articles
West Valley Collection & Recycling published three stormwater articles. Two articles targeted commercial businesses: Mobile Business Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management. The third article targeted residents in the West Valley and focused on Draining Pools and Spas.

Recent and Upcoming Training/Conferences
Rural Roads (C.2) BMPs Workshop – An in-person Rural Roads BMPs workshop was held at the Cypress Pavilion at Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose on May 11 and 12, 2022. The same 1.5-hour training was offered at three different times. A total of approximately 144 participants attended the three sessions.

Industrial/Commercial/Illicit Discharge (C.4, C.5) Workshop – An IND/IDDE stormwater inspector workshop was held on May 26, 2022, via Zoom. The workshop included what to expect in the reissued MRP for Provisions C.4/C.5, how preventing stormwater pollution from business sites and illicit discharges protects Santa Clara County creeks and the Bay, and four case studies. The workshop materials are posted here: IND/IDDE Workshop - May 26, 2022.

Annual New and Redevelopment (C.3) Workshop – The Annual C.3 Workshop was held on June 9, 2022, via Zoom. The workshop included presentations on new C.3 requirements in MRP 3.0, requirements for road projects, Special Projects, and alternative compliance programs. The workshop presentations are posted here: Annual C3 Workshop - June 9, 2022.

Parks, Facilities and Street Maintenance (C.2) BMP Training – The Authority conducted a training workshop on July 28, 2022, to: 1) provide a high-level overview of new stormwater permit requirements, 2) review best management practices for: a) street and road repair, b) sidewalk and plaza maintenance, c) bridge and structure maintenance and d) graffiti removal, and 3) review illegal discharge reporting. Staff will be developing “Tailgate Toolbox” of the BMPs to be used each year by member agencies to annually train staff at tailgate meetings.

California Bacteria Summit – The CA Water Boards and California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) will be co-hosting a three-day statewide summit on bacteria from September 14 to 16, 2022, at the CalEPA building in Sacramento (and Zoom). The purpose of the summit is to identify the priority technical and regulatory actions needed to recreate safely in CA waterways, eat shellfish safely, and the process to implement those actions. Registration & Information

Green Gardener Training – The Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener Training Program fall 10-week course starts September 15, 2022, with classes held in-person. Topics include integrated pest management, soil management and irrigation techniques. Registration & Information

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

Upcoming Meetings and Events
Saratoga Farmers’ Market, September 10, 2022, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
CA Coastal Cleanup Day, September 17, 2022, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Registration & Information
Los Gatos Farmers’ Market, November 6, 2022, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Authority Board Meeting, November 4, 2022, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT)
Los Gatos Farmers’ Market, November 6, 2022, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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

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!