What should I do if I see a neighbor, or know someone whos throwing trash into a storm drain?
Storm drains are designed for catching rain water only. Dumping trash or other pollutants down storm drain inlets is illegal and is a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the City of Lodis Stormwater Ordinance. If a neighbor is disposing of trash in the storm drain, they may not understand that drain inlets directly connect to our rivers. If you have an amicable relationship with your neighbor, it may be just a matter of informing and making them aware of its environmental impact. If it is someone who you feel is knowingly violating and repeatedly dumping into storm drains, please call the City of Lodi at 368-5735. Dumping used oil into the storm drain system is illegal. One gallon of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. All city residents can recycle up to two gallons at a time of used, uncontaminated motor oil free by taking it to Central Valley Waste Services at 1333 East Turner Road.
