Pittsburg, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Pittsburg prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drain system under Municipal Code provisions implementing the Contra Costa Clean Water Program Municipal Regional Permit (MRP). An illicit discharge is any discharge to the MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater, with limited exceptions for water line flushing, firefighting, landscape irrigation overspray, and similar incidental flows. Prohibited discharges include: industrial wastewater, vehicle maintenance fluids, restaurant grease and food waste, chemicals, paints, solvents, sewage, pool and spa water with chlorine, carpet cleaning water, pesticides and herbicides in concentrated form, and sediment from construction. Illicit connections — piped or plumbed connections from sanitary sewer, floor drains, or wash areas to the storm drain — are also prohibited and must be disconnected. Pittsburg Public Works and Environmental Services staff investigate reports of illicit discharges, perform dry-weather screening, and coordinate with the Contra Costa County Environmental Health Division for hazardous spills. Penalties under California Water Code §13385 can reach $10,000 per day per violation for intentional discharges of hazardous substances, plus cleanup cost recovery. Pittsburg's administrative citations start at $100 for first-offense minor violations. Report illicit discharges by calling Pittsburg Public Works or the CCCWP hotline. Businesses must train employees on stormwater pollution prevention.