Pollution Prevention

Illicit Discharges/Illegal Dumping
Illicit discharges are non-stormwater releases to the storm drain system. Common illicit discharges include:

  • Soil from piles stored too close to creeks
  • Leaves and "green waste" raked into streets or spread along creeks
  • Incidental leaks of petroleum fluids from vehicles and equipment
  • Spills, such as paint and chemicals
  • Illegally dumped solid waste, appliances and debris

Illegal dumping near San Pablo Creek
Large objects in waterways can lead to flooding and downstream erosion.  Other items, including hazardous waste and other toxic substances can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater and surface water. The County Watershed Program (CWP) holds dischargers responsible for taking corrective action to clean up their releases. According to the County's enforcement Response Plan, responsible parties may be subject to fines, administrative penalties, property liens and cost recovery.

To report illegal dumping or illicit discharges to storm drains and natural waterways in unincorporated Contra Costa County, please call the County Watershed Program at (925) 313-2236. 

For incidents occurring in incorporated cities and towns, please call 1-800-NO-DUMPING. 

To report an active release, or an illegal incident occurring outside of business hours, call the Sheriff's Office at (925) 646-2441 or dial 911.

Click the Help Prevent Illegal Dumping card for tips on how to properly dispose of your waste and who to call to report illegal dumping. 

To report oil spills to navigable waterways, please notify:

National Response Center (US Coast Guard) at 800-424-8802; and

CA Emergency Management Agency at 800-852-7550

   
Inspection ActivitiesLeaking oil drums found during inspection

The CWP is also responsible for overseeing monitoring and inspecting businesses within unincorporated Contra Costa County to ensure that their practices do not contribute to stormwater pollution.  We work cooperatively with other County departments to make sure businesses remain in compliance with stormwater regulations.

The CWP currently works with two divisions of the Health Services Department: Environmental Health inspects restaurants and horse boarding facilities for stormwater issues including grease, manure, and trash management; while the Hazardous Materials Program inspects industrial and commercial businesses that have hazardous materials onsite and those that generate hazardous waste.