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San Pedro, California USA 90731
Phone: (310) 732-3508
Email: [email protected]

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Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Although very rainy days do not occur as often in Southern California, storm events can still significantly affect water quality around the Port of Los Angeles. Water from rain, known as stormwater, flows over buildings, parking lots, roads, and other hard surfaces before it enters a storm drain or flows directly into a water body. Stormwater can carry pollutants from human activities––such as fertilizer use, pet and yard waste, or oils from leaky cars––and enter untreated into storm drains or water bodies. Stormwater pollution can be harmful to rivers, lakes, streams and other natural water resources in the environment, including the Los Angeles Harbor.

Tenant Outreach Program (TOP)

The Port of Los Angeles is dedicated to protecting and limiting our impact on the environment. One of the programs the Port of Los Angeles implements to help prevent stormwater pollution is the Stormwater Tenant Outreach Program (TOP). The TOP provides educational outreach and an opportunity for the Port and its tenants to connect and work together to meet stormwater regulatory compliance obligations. The Port conducts annual stormwater site visits to provide assistance to tenants in compliance with the Industrial General Permit and Regional Municipial Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. These permits were established under the Clean Water Act and are enforced by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
 
You can learn more about these Permits at the Los Angeles RWQCB's website linked below. 
 
Industrial General Permit Info Regional Permit Program Info
Port of Los Angeles Aerial

The Port’s overall goal of the TOP is to reduce pollution from entering harbor waters and improve water quality by:
 
  • Gaining a better understanding of tenant activities as they relate to storm water quality,
  • Acknowledging tenant activities that reduce storm water pollution,
  • Recommending additional Best Management Practices (BMP) that tenants can implement to improve the quality of storm water runoff, and
  • Identifying the types of assistance and resources needed by tenants.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

biodegradable or earth-friendly products
Simple actions can lead to cleaner water and healthier communities. Some helpful BMPs you can apply today include:
 
  • Picking up trash and litter and disposing in the appropriate bin.
  • Picking up pet waste and discouraging wildlife feeding.
  • Repairing leaky vehicles and using drip pans whenever possible.
  • Cleaning up spills immediately with absorbents.
  • Using biodegradable or earth-friendly products.
  • Recycling, donating, or properly disposing of unwanted items. 
  • Handling and disposing of hazardous wastes appropriately.
Click the images below to learn more how you can implement BMPs to help protect stormwater. You can also use the illustrations at your facility.
Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbook

Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbook

California Stormwater Quality Association
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Poster

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Poster

City of Los Angeles Harbor Department

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste and electronic waste can harm the environment if not recycled or disposed of properly. The City of Los Angeles provides the following resources to help residents dispose of these wastes appropriately.
 
SAFE Center Used motor oil recycling
Electronic Waste

Questions about stormwater pollution prevention? Please email the Port of Los Angeles’ Environmental Management Division.
email