Each year, the City of El Cajon removes several thousand cubic yards of trash, sediment, and debris from our streets and storm drains to keep our roads and stormwater systems clean. The City conducts bi-weekly cleanups in various locations in our storm channels, quarterly cleanups/maintenance of our storm drain filter baskets (trash capture devices), bi-annual cleanups of all open channels and brow ditches, and annual cleanups of our storm drain boxes. Additionally, the City has developed a comprehensive street sweeping program, with commercial areas being swept one to two times a week, and residential areas cleaned monthly. When street sweeping is not feasible, such as in extreme inclement weather, City staff conduct “Storm Water Patrols” to identify specific locations where we can focus cleanups. Despite these efforts, large amounts of trash and debris collect in our drainage channels and storm drains, polluting the water and creating an unsightly mess. An analysis of the trash removed by the City reveals that approximately half consists of disposable beverage cups and food wrappers. Large debris from abandoned homeless encampments is also commonly found in our storm drains and channels. In 2022, City crews removed approximately 459 Cubic Yards of trash/debris from our storm channels weighing around 86 tons. Join us as a part of the Solution to storm water pollution by ensuring that all trash is disposed of properly. Remember, anything you toss into the street or pour down the storm drain will eventually make its way out to the ocean. “Only Rain in the Drain!” For more information, contact the El Cajon Storm Water Protection Division at (619) 441-1653 or online at: www.elcajon.gov/stormwater. Project Clean Water is another excellent resource for information and events in our community to help keep our waterways clean. You can visit Project Clean Water at: www.projectcleanwater. org and consider taking the “52 Ways to Love Your Water” pledge. Clean Water Clean El Cajon We all play a role. Water that enters our storm drains is not treated which means runoff from your home or property can carry pollutants such as bacteria, chemicals, auto fluids or trash directly to our waterways. Clean water means healthy communities.
GO WITH THE FLOW THERE ARE MANY WAYS FOR RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND BUSINESSES TO GET ENGAGED IN POLLUTION PREVENTION EFFORTS. YOU CAN TAKE THE FIRST STEP BY USING BEST PRACTICES AT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS:
For Earth Day, join I Love A Clean San Diego to be a part of the most extensive Earth Week cleanup in San Diego county! Volunteers are grabbing buckets and work gloves and making a difference! This year, our El Cajon location will begin at 1050 Vernon Way as part of the Creek to Bay countywide cleanup effort. Our volunteers will help City staff in the channels to properly dispose of the
Dispose of trash in the proper waste, recycle, and organics waste receptacles that EDCO provides.
trash and report back totals. Click the QR Code after April 1 to see more details and registration information
Only wash or service your vehicle at a proper carwash facility or shop instead of your garage to prevent chemicals
from entering storm drains.
Pick up after your pets, as pet waste significantly contributes to harmful bacteria in our waterways.
Take advantage of Community Dump Days. See page 12 for more information.
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SPRING ISSUE 2023 • MY EL CAJON
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