Several waterbodies within the Russian River watershed have been identified as being impaired for mercury under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) and there is some data to suggest that mercury is bioaccumulating in fish of the Russian River watershed. Therefore, it is essential that we develop a mercury pollution prevention plan, to help prevent further contamination of our watershed.
Municipal Wastewater
Municipal wastewater is collected in sanitary sewer systems which transport all of the sewage that flows into them from homes and businesses to permitted wastewater treatment facilities. These municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems are permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program which is authorized by the Clean Water Act. RRWA supports Member Agencies by developing outreach campaigns, disposal and diversion programs, and educational materials for the following programs:
Promotions:
Safe Medicine Disposal Program
Unused and expired medications are often flushed down the toilet or dropped into the trash where they don’t belong. Both of these disposal methods can result in residuals of these medications getting into aquatic systems. Safe Medicine Disposal hosts “take-back” locations and events throughout the Russian River watershed where medications can be disposed of properly, so they won’t pollute our environment.
Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Program
Cooking grease poured down the sink drains can block sewer pipelines when it congeals and cause sewer backups and overflows into the environment, and into your home! This practice can be costly to homeowners and is certainly bad for the environment. These types of grease-related sewer spills are preventable through simple measures in the home.
Other Programs for Wastewater and Sanitary Sewer Systems
Other resources related to wastewater and sanitary sewer systems.
Member Agencies
- City of Cloverdale
- City of Cotati
- City of Healdsburg
- City of Rohnert Park
- City of Santa Rosa
- City of Ukiah
- County of Sonoma
-
Sonoma County
Water Agency - Town of Windsor
Executive Director
- Virginia Porter
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 833 - 2553
