1. Prevent Pollution

Source control means stopping contamination before it enters the environment

2. Find and Address Contamination

a. Identify contamination sources, such as horse facilities, streets, parking lots, industrial waste

b. Prevent and repair sewer leaks and toxic discharges

c. Street cleaning

d. Require on-site retention of contaminants

e. Fertilizer and horse manure are the most likely contaminants in the Arroyo Seco, besides concrete

3. Use Nature-based Measures

a. Best management practices (BMPs)

b. Onsite retention of rain water to contain and treat runoff

c. Wetlands, rain gardens, swales, berms, riparian buffer zones

d. Bioremediation – natural cleansing with plants

4. Educate businesses and residents about pollution prevention and responsible practices

a. Pick up animal waste.

b. Do not put oil or trash into the street

c. Report dumping and pollution violations

Benefits

• Cost Effective - less expensive to implement than traditional engineering approaches
• Avoids costly long-term maintenances requirements of engineered facilities
• Can preserve and restore the natural character of the Arroyo Seco stream and ecosystem
• Protects public health and the environment
• Ensures sustainable environmental management and pollution prevention.
• Broadens public support and community pride

Best management practices, such as onsite-retention, can largely eliminate pollution from sources.