Whittier Sewer Treatment & Storm Drain Discharge Rules

Whittier, California relies on municipal sewer treatment and a separate storm drain system that must remain free of pollutants; the City maintains a Stormwater Program to control discharges and protect local waterways. See the City Stormwater Program City of Whittier Stormwater Program^[1] for program details and reporting.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for illegal discharges and sewer misuse is primarily the Public Works Department (Stormwater Program) and Code Enforcement under the City municipal code. Specific fine amounts and daily rates are not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code link for any published penalty provisions. City of Whittier Municipal Code^[2]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for exact schedules.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences and any per-day assessments are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, administrative orders to stop discharges, civil enforcement and referral to county or state agencies, and civil litigation are typically available enforcement tools.
• Enforcer and inspection: Public Works - Stormwater Program conducts inspections, responds to complaints, and issues notices; Code Enforcement may pursue violations.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are referenced in municipal procedure sections or departmental appeal processes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences and discretion: permitted discharges under an approved permit, variances, or emergency responses may be considered; check permit conditions for defenses.

Applications & Forms

No single consolidated industrial or commercial discharge form is published on the cited city pages; businesses should contact Public Works for permit requirements or referrals to state NPDES permitting if applicable.

• If required, industrial or commercial users may need an industrial wastewater or pretreatment permit; specific form names and fees are not specified on the cited pages.
• Submit permit inquiries to Public Works via the City contact links in Resources below.

Common Violations

• Direct discharge of chemicals, wash water, or wastewater to storm drains.
• Illegal connections between building sewer lines and storm drains.
• Failure to maintain grease traps, oil/water separators, or other pretreatment devices.
• On-site dumping of solid waste, construction debris, or contaminated soil into gutters or storm drains.

FAQ

What discharges are prohibited to Whittier storm drains?

Any non-stormwater discharge that contains pollutants is prohibited, including chemicals, wastewater, automotive fluids, and construction runoff; consult the Stormwater Program for details.

How do I report an illegal discharge or spill?

Call Public Works or use the City reporting contacts on the Stormwater Program page; provide location, material, and photos if safe to do so.

Do businesses need permits for certain sewer or stormwater discharges?

Yes—industrial or significant dischargers may need permits or pretreatment; contact Public Works to confirm permit requirements.

How-To

1. Identify the problem: note location, time, and visible substance.
2. Contain if safe: stop the source or contain runoff using absorbent materials only if it is safe to do so.
3. Report the incident to Public Works immediately using the Stormwater Program contact details and emergency numbers.
4. Document and follow up: keep photos, witness information, and submitted report numbers for any appeals or enforcement follow-up.

Key Takeaways

• Do not discharge pollutants to storm drains; use proper pretreatment and disposal routes.
• Report spills promptly to Public Works to limit harm and enforcement exposure.

Help and Support / Resources

• Public Works Department - City of Whittier
• Planning & Building - City of Whittier
• Utility Billing & Customer Service - City of Whittier

1. [1] City of Whittier Stormwater Program
2. [2] City of Whittier Municipal Code (Municode)