Stormwater FAQs
With questions, please contact the City Stormwater Program at 541-766-6916.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the City know if violations occur?
For implementation of this ordinance to be effective, the City needs your help! Citizens who witness a possible violation are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department by calling the 24-hr pollution prevention hotline at 541-766-6565.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
How will the implementation of this ordinance be paid for?
There will be no additional fees to rate payers as a direct result of this ordinance. The implementation of this ordinance, in addition to other programs aimed at reducing stormwater pollution, is funded through stormwater utilities fees, which you can see on your monthly utility bill.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
Is washing my personal car in my driveway or street considered a violation?
Discharge from individual residential car washing would not be a violation of this ordinance (Section 4.04.030). Although residential car washing is allowed, the City encourages citizens to prevent soap and car grime from entering streams by taking cars to a commercial car wash. In Corvallis, commercial car washes are connected to the City sanitary system, which can treat and remove pollutants. The City Stormwater Program also has a free SudSafe carwash kit for loan to keep suds, dirt, and oils out of the storm system,. This kit is available for stream-friendly car wash fundraisers!
Category: Stormwater FAQs
What are some examples of ordinance violations?
A few common example violations include dumping used car oil or washing paint brushes into City storm drains, connecting a sink drain to the City storm system, or dumping litter or yard debris directly in a Corvallis stream. This is, however, not a comprehensive list of violations. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to review the ordinance to learn what personal activities may be affected by this new ordinance.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
What does the ordinance cover?
The ordinance protects all parts of the City stormwater system, which includes City infrastructure, as well as natural features like streams from any pollutant that changes the physical, chemical, or biological properties of the storm water. (For more information, see section 4.04.020 for a definition of pollutant and storm drainage system).
Category: Stormwater FAQs
What else is Corvallis doing to protect water quality through stormwater pollution prevention?
Since 2004, the City has taken steps to improve water quality and reduce The City is Doing It's Part Preventing Stormwater Pollutionstormwater pollution in a variety of ways. We've enacted land development codes that protect waterways from pollution that can occur from urban development and created a robust program to monitor construction activities to ensure best practices. In addition, the City Stormwater Program regularly educates and engages Corvallis residents, students, and businesses in preventing stormwater pollution prevention. For more information, please visit the City Stormwater Program.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
What happens if I violate the ordinance?
If the City becomes aware of a violation, the first step taken by the City will be to contact the responsible party and provide information about the issue and the water quality implications.. If no action is taken to address the issue, then a formal letter will be sent, as is outlined in section 4.04.090.020 of the proposed ordinance. If sufficient action is still not taken then a fine no less than $100 and no more than $20,000 and/or 30 days in jail may be issued. In some cases, an alternative compensatory action may be substituted for fines and jail time.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
Who will be affected by this ordinance?
The Corvallis storm system connects most of our City to waterways via storm drains. This means that all residents, businesses, and industries could be potentially impacted by this ordinance.
Category: Stormwater FAQs
