Why This Measure Matters

Sediment removal is instrumental to our commitment for water quality improvement in our streams, wetlands and marine waters.

What’s the Story?

• Pollutants like petroleum, heavy metals and those coming from tires (known as 6PPDq), as well as nutrients, attach to sediments.
• Street sweeping prevents sediment from reaching surface water by removing them before they enter the storm drainage system.
• Catch basin, storm pipe, treatment facility and pond programs collect and dispose sediment that had potential to enter surface waters.
• As the Stormwater Utility continues to operate its street sweeper,  stormwater pond and catch basin maintenance programs, it is challenged by increasing fees associated with disposing of the collected sediment and an increasing need for additional space to decant sediment prior to its disposal.
• The increase in sediment collected in 2024 is due to the Stormwater Utility operating a new grant-funded second street sweeper and cleaning four stormwater ponds.
• In 2025, a change in process resulted in a more accurate recording of sediment types, specifically related to pond waste. 

Target

1,200 tons

Reporting frequency