Sunday Briefing : An occasional look at Orange County issues : Running to the Sea

Rainfall brings the sparkle back to dirty streets, parking lots and buildings. But all the grime and litter doesn’t just disappear. It washes untreated into the ocean via storm drains and pollutes coastal waters. How urban runoff affects the coast:

Unseen Pollutants

Urban runoff picks up toxic substances as it washes over freeways, streets, parking lots, lawns, construction sites and industrial facilities. Most common pollutants found in runoff:

* Feces

Sources: Humans, animals and birds; sewage spills

* Toxic metals

Sources: Accumulated fuel exhaust, oil and coolant leaks, tire wear, brake pad wear, fuel spills, improper disposal of motor oil and paint, scrap metal piles, industrial spills.

* Pesticides and fertilizers

Sources: Household and agricultural uses; improper disposal

Hot Spots

Los Angeles and Orange County sanitation districts test for bacteria at 20 sites between the San Gabriel River and Crystal Cove. A reading of 1,000 coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of sample water is considered unsafe. On a good day, all sites produce readings of less than 20, but bacteria levels skyrocket after a rainfall. Highest readings, January, 1994, to January, 1995: (graphic: map)

Channel Peak Flow

The Orange County Environmental Management Agency monitors runoff rates at 14 points throughout the county. Peak and total flows from fiscal 1992-1993, the year for which the most current data is available.

Peak Total Channel Flow* Acre Feet Fullerton Creek at Richman Street 567 10,030 Aliso Creek near Jeronimo Road 342 7,150 Westminster Channel at Hazard Avenue 196 4,160 Santiago Creek at Villa Park Dam 2,550 53,360 El Modena-Irvine Channel at Michelle Street 350 6,040 East Garden Grove-Wintersburg at Gothard Street 745 11,350 Oso Creek at Crown Valley Parkway 913 12,530 Santa Ana Delhi at Irvine Avenue 729 11,310 Laguna Canyon Channel at Woodland Avenue 287 5,600 Bolsa Chica Channel at Westminster Avenue 617 5,730 San Diego Creek at Campus Drive 3,240 62,510 Peters Canyon Wash at Barranca Parkway 1,140 29,170 San Diego Creek at Culver Drive 1,320 22,140 Anaheim Barber City at Ranch Road 879 9,220

* Maximum day in cubic feet per second ** One acre foot equals 326,000 gallons

Problem with Aliso

Aliso Creek drains storm runoff from a 30-square-mile area that includes six cities. Leaks and ruptures from adjacent lines have dumped sewage in various stages of treatment into the creek on numerous occasions. Sewage spilled, in gallons:

1990: 9,000 1991: 0 1992: 7,500 1993: 6,000,000 1994: 55,000 1995*: 250,000 * Through Feb. 28

Gutter to the Ocean: How It Gets There

The county’s storm-drain system consists of 658 miles of underground pipes ranging in diameter from 18 to 72 inches. There are also 362 miles of earthen and concrete channels--some constructed and others, like Aliso Creek, natural creek beds. Water from these channels flows directly into the ocean without undergoing treatment at the county’s sewage treatment plants. Used motor oil, for example, dumped into the gutter several miles inland, is a direct source of ocean pollution.

How to Reduce Toxic Runoff

* Do not dump paint, household cleaners and solvents into gutters. Take them to a local hazardous-materials collection center.

* Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly; don’t apply when rain is likely to wash them away immediately.

* Use kitty litter to absorb engine leaks; take the kitty litter to hazardous-materials collection center. Prevent further leaking with regular automobile maintenance.

* Rinse water-based paint brushes in sink. Take oil-based or latex paints (including used paint thinner) to a hazardous-materials collection center.

* Dispose of animal wastes in the trash can, not the gutter.

* Take used motor oil and antifreeze to gas station or hazardous-materials collections center.

* Take your car to a carwash that uses recycled water.

* When draining spas or swimming pools, run the water into a sink so it will flow into the sewer for treatment.

* Put leaves and garden clippings in trash instead of hosing them into gutter.

* Maintain landscaping to control erosion. This keeps dirt and plant debris out of storm drains.

Strange Finds

Vegetative debris, foam packaging and other trash form the bulk of solid materials that end up at the shore. Occasionally there are some extraordinary finds such as:

* Sofas * Truck axles * Shopping carts * Tires * Discarded Christmas trees * Animal carcasses * 55-gallon drums

Household Hazardous Wastes Collection Centers

Four centers in Orange County accept household hazardous wastes--such as paint, pesticides and automotive products--free of charge. Sites are open Saturday only, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until 100 cars have been received, whichever occurs first. Closed rainy days and holidays. Information: (714) 834-6752.

1. Anaheim: 1131 N. Blue Gum St.

2. Huntington Beach: 17121 Nichols St.

3. Irvine: 6411 Oak Canyon

4. San Juan Capistrano: Prima Deschecha Landfill, La Pata Avenue off Ortega Highway

For More Information

* Beach closures, swimming-related illnesses and to a report sewage spill: Orange County Health Care Agency: (714) 667-3752.

* To report hazardous spills or illegal dumping in progress: Call 911

* Service stations that accept used motor oil: California Integrated Waste Management Board (800) 553-2962.

* Garden chemicals, pesticides and possible alternatives: Orange County Agricultural Commissioner (714) 447-7100.

Volunteers Needed

Last November, volunteers removed 45,000 pounds of trash from Orange County beaches and wetlands on Coastal Cleanup Day. Other opportunities for involvement are available. Where to call to get involved:

* Surfrider Foundation: (714) 492-8170

* Orange County Department of Harbors, Beaches and Parks: (714) 567-6203

* Friends of Newport Bay (714) 646-8009

* Amigos de Bolsa Chica: (714) 897-7003

Sources: Orange County Environmental Management Agency, Orange County Sanitation Districts, Orange County Health Care Agency, United States Geological Survey

Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times