Stockton's MS4 program prohibits any non-stormwater discharge (wash water, oil, paint, sediment, pool drainage) from entering the City storm drain system; only rainwater is allowed.
Chapter 13.16 of the Stockton Municipal Code ('Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance') is administered by the Director of Municipal Utilities and implements the City's NPDES MS4 permit under the federal Clean Water Act. No person may contribute or cause to be contributed, directly or indirectly, any pollutant, wastewater, or substance to the City storm drainage system that would interfere with its operation or violate the City's NPDES permit. The City Stormwater Utility manages approximately 620 miles of pipe, 72 pump stations, and 100+ discharge pipes that route untreated runoff to local rivers, creeks, sloughs and ultimately the San Joaquin Delta. Chapter 13.20 (Stormwater Quality Control Criteria Plan) establishes Low Impact Development (LID) requirements for new development and significant redevelopment, with the 2020 Plan applying to subdivisions of 10+ units and commercial/industrial projects of 5,000 sq ft or more. Illicit discharges, illegal dumping into drains, clogged storm drains, and street flooding can be reported 24/7 to (209) 937-8341 or WaterFacts@stocktonca.gov.
Inspection and enforcement are conducted per Article V of Chapter 13.16. The permit holder must notify the City within 24 hours of discovering any unauthorized stormwater discharge. Notification does not relieve the discharger of fines, civil penalties, or other liabilities under federal Clean Water Act §309 (up to $25,000/day federal civil penalties) or state Water Code §13385 penalties imposed by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
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