HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - October 7, 2020 B-03AGENDA ITEM B-5
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AGENDA TITLE
MEETING DATE:
PREPARED BY:
Presentation of Proclamation Commemorating Storm Drain Detectives 2O-Year
Anniversary
October 7,2020
Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION Presentation of proclamation commemorating Storm Drain Detectives
2}-year anniversary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: ln 1998, the City of Lodi's wastewater facility self-reported high
chlorine levels in wastewater discharges to Dredger Cut because of
a faulty piece of equipment, resulting in a discharge violation issued
by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).
ln response to the discharge violation, the City negotiated with SWRCB to develop a Supplemental
Environmental Project (SEP), which included a watershed based public education program and a newly
formed citizen-monitoring group called the Storm Drain Detectives (SDD). With assistance from the Lodi
Lake Nature Area Docent Council, the SDD program found success in completing initial monitoring
activities.
Student monitoring began in fall of 2000, and continues to the present day. The SDD program has grown
to become a Lodi fixture over the last two decades, as more than 3,500 students have participated in
collecting almost 10,000 water quality samples. Each month, students (or today SDD teachers due to
COVID-19), sample the Mokelumne River at five sites, asking the question, "How does Lodi's stormwater
affect the Mokelumne River's water quality?"
The students test for pH, turbidity, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, and
recently e-coli bacteria then post the results on-line. This data is used to study the potential impact of
runoff on the river, while also engaging the public in stormwater issues and concerns. Each May,
students present their data findings to the public. https://www.lodi.oov/505/Monthlv-Data
A handful of teachers make the program successful. Longtime SDD team leaders are Melissa Turner of
Lodi High (since 2004); Sandi Starr of Tokay High (since 2007); Jud Atwater of Lodi High (since 2013);
Janine Jacinto of Heritage School and Joe Serna Charter School (since 2014); Melanie Martinez of
Reese Elementary School (since 2016); and Dylan O'Ryan of Lodi High (since 2014). The SDD program
would not be as successful without the dedication of these educators and the City of Lodi staff who
assists the Watershed Program Coordinator each year, adding expertise and oversight to equipment
calibration, student training, and data collection.
Over the years, multiple grants have helped fund the Storm Drain Detective Program for various tasks,
including program support, purchasing equipment, supporting watershed study trips and community
watershed murals, aquarium in the classroom programs raising salmon eggs, and the student written,
APPROVED:
Manager
912412020
Presentation of Proclâmation Commemorating Storm Drain Detectives 2o-YearAnniversary
October 7, 2020
Page 2
Mokelumne Current watershed newspaper. For 20 years, generous donors have included CALFED,
LUSD GOT Kids, Waste Management, Clark Pest Control, Lower Mokelumne Partnership (EBMUD,
USFW, CAFW, C.A. Webster Foundation, and others.
The SDD Program and its teachers have received very prestigious, Statewide competitive awards from
various interests, including the California Storm Water Quality Association, League of California Cities,
Lower Mokelumne River Partnership, City of Lodi- Lodi lmprovement Committee, and San Joaquin
County Council of Government, San Joaquin County, and Targeted Opportunities to Prevent Pollution
Program.
A representative of the Public Works Department will be present to accept the proclamation.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable
Charles E. Swimley, Jr
Public Works Director
Prepâred by Kathy Grant, Watershed Program Coordinator
CES/kg/tw
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