Storm Water
Motor oil, paint products, chemicals, litter and other pollutants contaminate local waterways and threaten wildlife when they enter storm drains. Releasing pollutants that threaten the watershed may result in significant penalties and cleanup costs.
Environmental Services responds to reports of illegal dumping into storm drains by individuals and businesses and enforces federal, state and local water quality laws and regulations by inspecting local facilities to ensure that they comply with water quality regulations.
To report a spill or illegal dumping to the storm drain system:
- 510-577-3401 - or – 510-577-3434 during business hours (Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 5:00pm).
- After-hours/Weekends: 510-577-3459 (5:00pm - 7:30am) - or - 510-577-2740 SLPD non-emergency dispatch.
- For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
San Leandro's Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance (Chapter 3-15 of the San Leandro Municipal Code) regulates discharges to the storm water system.
Required Permits for Industry & Construction
The State Water Resources Control Board requires permit coverage for specified types of industrial activities and construction activities.
For more information about either the Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit or the Construction General Permit, visit the Regional Water Quality Control Board
For questions, email [email protected] or leave a voice message at (510) 622-2402.
Contact the City of San Leandro Engineering and Transportation Department, Land Development Section at (510) 577-3428 for specific requirements for construction activities.
Senate Bill 205 - Business Licenses: Storm Water Discharge Compliance
Senate Bill 205 (2019) became effective January 1, 2020. This Senate Bill requires a person applying to a city or county for a new or renewed business license to demonstrate enrollment in a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit, if required. Prior to the issuance or renewal of a business license, the City determines whether any of the primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes provided by the business are potentially regulated by the NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (Industrial General Permit).
For more info on SB 205 business license requirements, visit State Water Quality Control Board
A list of SIC codes potentially regulated by the Industrial General Permit is posted on the State Water Resources Control Board’s website, sorted numerically and alphabetically.
SB 205 Frequently Asked Questions
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
All businesses can implement common sense best management practices (BMPs) to reduce or eliminate their contribution to storm water pollution. Most BMPs involve modest changes to routine operations and maintenance practices.
San Leandro is a member agency of the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program.
In addition to a general Pollution Prevention Guide for Businesses, the Clean Water Program has developed BMPs for specific industries:
You can learn more about storm water management from the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) and the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA).
For more information about watershed-related events and activities in San Leandro, visit the Friends of San Leandro Creek.
Allowable Discharges
The storm water collection system exists to drain runoff of rainwater. However, the following discharges may be allowed on a conditional basis using best management practices:
- Individual residential car washing
- Pool and spa water (must be free of chlorine and algae)
- Foundation drains (from uncontaminated locations)
- Air conditioning condensate
- Incidental irrigation