City of El Segundo

Stormwater Program Highlights

 

The City of El Segundo and its residents are supportive of and proactive in protecting and improving beaches and the ocean’s water quality.  The City of El Segundo manages and implements a stormwater pollution prevention program to protect the water quality in Santa Monica Bay by viewing the program as a city-wide responsibility, with many departments working together as a team.  This strategy has proven effective at reducing storm water pollution.

The areas in which the City of El Segundo promotes and manages its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program are:

Sanitary Sewers

Sanitary sewer overflows can significantly affect the water quality of the ocean.  If allowed to enter the storm drain system, bacteria can be discharged into the water.  The City of El Segundo has installed “Smart Covers” in twelve sanitary sewer manholes at critical locations throughout the city.  These covers provide a warning to City staff when there is something wrong in the system.  If the water in the manhole rises above normal conditions, staff receives notification.  This system provides some extra time for a response before an overflow occurs onto the street and/or into the storm drain system.

Low Flow Diversions

Low Flow Diversion Systems that remove urban dry weather water flow caused by irrigation run-off, car washing, and other types of non-rainfall water from the storm drain system have been installed.  The diverted flows are directed into the sewer system and treated by the City of Los Angeles Hyperion Sewer Treatment Plant to remove pollutants before the flow is discharged into the ocean or is infiltrated into the ground where pollutants are removed by natural processes in the soil.

Infiltration Methods

At our largest Pump Station we have established an infiltration system for minor rain events and nuisance water management.  This system pumps the rain and nuisance water into the landscaped areas of the Pump Station property and reduces the need to use the reclaimed water irrigation system.  This method serves as a good alternative to pumping the water runoff into the storm drain system.

Water Conservation and Water Efficient Landscape

The City of El Segundo is proactive in educating its residents of the importance of water conservation, smart landscaping and garden activities.  Tips and guidelines that can be easily practiced by all to help prevent urban runoff and contaminants from reaching the storm drain system, which eventually drains into the ocean.  Information is distributed via flyers, advertisements in the City’s quarterly magazine, “Inside El Segundo” and at various City functions that occur throughout the year.

Community Outreach and Education

The City participates in various public events throughout the year.  During these events the City provides demonstrations with an Enviroscape model, distributes handouts, brochures, and complimentary items such as grease disposal bags to further educate its residents.  The City also publishes information regarding proactive and informative stormwater tips and information in its quarterly “Inside El Segundo” publication.  Information and educational materials are provided at the General Services facility.

On-Going Stormwater Prevention Programs

• Street Sweeping
• Storm drain maintenance and catch basin cleaning
• Trash exclusion devices on select storm drain inlets