Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Inspection Program – Unincorporated North County
When development projects are constructed or retrofitted, impervious surfaces (surfaces that do not drain) are built or replaced, which can cause increases in stormwater runoff that flows into the stormdrain system. As stormwater moves through the environment, it collects debris, litter, sediment, oils and other pollutants in its path and is untreated as it makes its way to a stormdrain, culvert, or creek. These pollutants then flow to our local waterways including creeks, rivers, lakes, and eventually, to the San Francisco Bay. Low impact development (LID), are stormwater treatment systems that are built to help offset the effects of development on the environment.
What is a stormwater treatment system or LID?
Stormwater treatment systems or LID are systems that reduce runoff, mimic the natural or predevelopment hydrology of the location or site, and helps to treat or retain stormwater from new development and redevelopment projects with impervious surfaces.
Types of LID
- Bioretention
- Flow-Through Planters
- Tree Well Filters
- Infiltration Trench
- Subsurface Infiltration System
- Detention Basin
- Pervious Paving/Pavers
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Media Filters
Who?
The Watershed Protection Division (WPD) is a division of the County's Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA). The Division is responsible for meeting the requirements of State permits which regulate the discharge of rainwater to local waterways.
What?
WPD staff inspects stormwater treatment systems to make sure they continue to work as intended and are maintained. If needed, we will identify corrective actions to ensure that those stormwater treatment systems continue to work. The Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Agreement associated with your property provides you information about your built stormwater system(s) and how to maintain them.
Why?
Stormwater treatment systems are built to protect water quality and its beneficial uses. The County is required to educate property owners about their stormwater treatment systems and to inspect these systems on a regular basis.
When?
WPD staff will contact you in advance to schedule the inspection. LID systems need to be inspected at least once every 5 years. Inspection frequency after the initial inspection will vary depending on inspection results. If corrective actions are identified after the inspection, a follow-up inspection will be performed approximately one year later. If no corrective actions are needed, another inspection will be performed approximately 3-5 years later.
Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Inspection Program - North County
The County’s Watershed Protection Division is required to inspect stormwater treatment systems to ensure they are maintained and working properly. The O&M Inspection Program oversees stormwater treatment systems built in North County under the Municipal Regional Permit (MRP). Our primary goal is to work together with property owners so we can maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment. Inspections are intended to educate property owners on their stormwater treatment systems and how to properly maintain them. These inspections are required and will be performed by a Watershed Protection team member.
We only inspect stormwater treatment systems located in the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. If you have any questions about the O&M Inspection Program (for North County) or PCR Inspection Program (for South County), or have recently received a notice from our office, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call us at (408) 918-4609.