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Apartments Win Runoff Rebate
Getting landlords and tenants of large apartment complexes to stop their storm drain pollution can be difficult, so the city of Richmond is trying a new approach - a rebate on stormwater utility fees. In July, Richmond began charging landlords $32 a unit in fees but owners can get up to $20 a unit back if they comply with regulations for reducing runoff. The better the job they do, the larger the rebate. "It's a creative way to encourage people to deal with the problem on site," says Henry Tingle of the city's public works department.
The 194-unit Creekside apartment complex was the first to submit a plan under the new city program. Creekside began by educating tenants, through meetings and newsletters, about pollution problems. "People don't realize the impact of what they're doing when they use Ajax to whiten their whitewall tires," says Tingle. Creekside banned car washing, required tenants to fix oil leaks and clean up outdoor fluid spills, sent crews out to clean parking areas and inspect storm drains, enclosed dumpsters and told gardeners not to store pesticides or fertilizers on site. Their crews now sweep, rather than wash, sidewalks.
After the first heavy rains, the city will test runoff from the complex for petroleum products, hydrocarbons and metals contamination. If the water is clean, then Creekside will get its rebate. City inspector Mary Phelps is optimistic. "The turnaround they did was basically miraculous," she says.
Contact: Henry Tingle (510)620-6538
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