Frequently Asked Questions

Good Housekeeping
• Use mops, brooms or wire brushes to clean dumpsters, sidewalks, buildings, equipment, pavement and other impervious surfaces.
• Sweep up trash and debris.

Materials Storage and Handling
• Store materials indoors or under covered/contained areas not exposed to rain or wind.
• If materials cannot be stored under cover, place materials on pallets and cover with a secured tarp to avoid contact with storm water run-on and runoff.
• Dispose of unused materials properly.

Waste Disposal Management
• Keep dumpsters closed when not in use.
• Sweep around dumpsters and other areas to prevent trash from accumulating.
• Immediately clean up spills and leaks.

Spill Response
• Keep rags, mops and absorbents readily accessible.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• If necessary, develop a spill response plan and update as needed.

Employee Training
• Train employees on pollution prevention and spill response.
• Post information in employee areas.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Clean Water Program at 858-704-3652 or through email at cleanwater@delmar.ca.us.

The Clean Water Program investigates urban runoff reports received; in addition, bi-monthly patrols are performed to identify potential sources of pollution. During these investigations and patrols, the Clean Water Program looks for evidence of potential pollution and urban runoff and determines a source. If there is an active discharge occurring, the Clean Water Program Investigator will try to establish contact with the business owner to cease activities. In addition, the Clean Water Program will generate a Clean Water Education Letter to provide education on urban runoff and pollution prevention practices and describe the issue that was observed with photos that were taken during the investigation or patrol. If you received a Clean Water Education Letter, please implement the requests noted by the Clean Water Program. Should you have questions or need assistance, please call the Clean Water Program (858-704-3652) to discuss the Clean Water Education Letter further.

A Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued by City staff when there is a discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly into the storm drain system or when best management practices (BMPs) are not properly implemented, as it pertains to Chapter 11.30 of the Del Mar Municipal Code (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control). In addition, NOVs are issued when repeat offenses are observed, after education has already been provided. Some examples of discharges or improperly implemented BMPs can include (but are not limited to) runoff from power washing, excessive trash surrounding dumpster areas, uncovered trash cans/dumpsters, or irrigation runoff. The Notice of Violation contains information on the violation of the Municipal Code, the discharge observed, and a request to rectify the issue. It is expected the issue is addressed in a timely manner.  If you have any questions about a Notice of Violation your business has received and what to do to address the issue(s), please contact the Clean Water Program at 858-704-3652 or cleanwater@delmar.ca.us. If observed issue(s) are not addressed, further actions may be taken.