National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

What is NPDES?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal program that helps protect rivers, beaches, and oceans by preventing pollution from entering storm drains and waterways. Created under the federal Clean Water Act, NPDES requires local governments and certain industries to reduce pollutants that can flow into waterways such as the Dominguez Channel, Los Angeles River, and Santa Monica Bay.

The City of Torrance operates under a regional NPDES permit(PDF, 1MB) that includes the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, the County of Los Angeles, and 84 incorporated cities. This permit helps ensure communities work together to protect water quality and reduce stormwater pollution.

How the City helps protect water quality

Several City departments work together to help Torrance meet NPDES requirements and protect local waterways:

• Public Works Department: Coordinates regional compliance efforts, oversees capital improvement projects related to stormwater requirements, supports water quality monitoring, and helps develop future permit requirements.
• Community Development Department: Conducts site inspections, reviews development plans, implements best management practices (BMPs), and leads public education and program administration.
• Fire Department: Responds to hazardous spills, illicit discharges, and stormwater runoff incidents. The Fire Prevention Division also oversees inspections and enforcement through the Commercial & Facilities Management Program.

What the City is doing to keep waterways clean

The City of Torrance works year-round to help reduce pollution and improve water quality through efforts such as:

• Inspecting construction, industrial, and commercial sites
• Maintaining and inspecting large storm drain channels and pipes
• Increasing catch basin cleaning in priority areas
• Installing trash receptacles at transit stops
• Enhancing street sweeping and routine cleaning of City-owned parking lots
• Monitoring water quality and conducting testing
• Maintaining required records and reporting
• Training employees on stormwater pollution prevention
• Providing recycling, waste management, and public education programs

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program

What is Stormwater?
When it rains, water collects in the streets and travels through the gutters into a catch basin. The stormwater is then transported through underground pipes called storm drains. The water empties from the storm drains and eventually flows out of a pipe and directly into the ocean. Unlike the sewer system, which carries wastewater (sewage) from indoor drains (sink, toilet, and bathtub) to a wastewater treatment plant like Hyperion, the storm drain system releases stormwater directly into the ocean untreated. The reason for this is simple: when it rains, wastewater treatment plants cannot handle the vast amount of runoff that is created almost instantly. This means that any trash, organic materials, or hazardous chemicals that are dumped in the street can pollute our ocean.

What can you do?

• Don't Litter: Everything dropped, tossed, spilled, or discarded onto streets and gutters will eventually make its way into the storm drain system--and out to the ocean!
• Report Illegal Dumping: Illegal dumping of trash, paint products, motor oil, and other chemicals into storm drains is against the law!
• Pick up after your Pets: Animal waste that runs off of lawns and sidewalks sends harmful bacteria into the storm drain system and out into the ocean, creating problems for swimmers and fish.
• Take your hazardous Waste Materials to a S.A.F.E. Center: Residential Special Materials are typical household products that should not be disposed of by merely throwing in the trash. These items include unused or leftover paint, pesticides, cleaners, and other chemicals.
• Choose Environmentally Friendly Landscaping, Gardening & Pest Control: Find information on sustainable yard care and pest control practices that support water quality and environmental health.
• Follow Best Management Practices (BMPs): View a series of storm drain protection brochures that describe ways to help prevent pollution and protect local waterways.