WATER YOU WAITING FOR??? When you get down to Contact us at (408) 945- it, using less water in your 3700 or visit us at facility costs you less. www.slowtheflow.com Both water and sewer bills Special Thanks … go down. to these water smart W I N T E R 2 0 0 1 And saving water companies for their partici- through process and pation in the flow reduction equipment changes can rebate program in the mean a drop in energy and last two years. Altogether, chemical usage. their projects have reduced MERCURY & YOUR BUSINESS All of which impacts your flows by more than develop a Total Maximum Mercury from fluorescent bottom line. 370,000 gallons per day! Mercury and the Bay • For a limited time, we’ll Daily Load (TMDL). A draft and mercury vapor lighting • Agilent Technologies, Inc The San Francisco Bay give you up to $50,000 to TMDL report for mercury in is being investigated by • Analog Devices, Inc Regional Water Quality get the job done. Control Board (RWQCB) the San Francisco Bay the Regional Water • Hadco Corporation Big projects, small Printed on recycled paper. lists all segments of San Estuary was completed by Quality Control as a Intel Corporation projects.… If your facility • 0201/Q700:1291 Francisco Bay as impaired the RWQCB, and submit- possible atmospheric can save more than 200 • Lockheed Martin In accordance with the Americans due to mercury pollution. ted to EPA in May 2000. source of water pollution. gallons per day, then you Fairchild Systems with Disabilities Act, City of San Monitoring results show Adoption of a final TMDL Since mercury is also can apply for Water José Environmental Services for the Bay is expected to included on EPA’s list of • MMC Technology Department materials can be that Bay waters exceed Efficient Technologies. • Penninsula Coating made available upon request in the Basin Plan’s numeric occur by 2002. Now, Persistent, Call now and find out Services alternative formats, such as large objective for mercury regulatory focus is on Bioaccumulative, and print, audio tape or computer how you can get up to • Prosil in water (0.025µg/L), and determining where mercury Toxic substances $50,000 … in nice dry bills. disk. Requests may be made by comes from, and how best (PBT’s), control strategies • Summa Industries calling (408) 277-5533 (v) or that some fish from San (800) 735-2929 (CRS). Francisco Bay have to control those sources to from the solid and mercury levels that may meet the TMDL. hazardous waste side of the ledger are inevitable. www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/esd threaten human health. Mercury from Where? Presorted Standard For example, because Mercury pollution is of • Abandoned gold and U.S. Postage fluorescent lamps contain great concern because mercury mines located Watershed Protection Division PAID mercury, in March 2000, mercury is a neurotoxin throughout the Sierra City of San Jose Permit No. 502 DTSC repealed its policy Environmental Services San Jose, CA that affects the brain and Nevada foothills and allowing businesses to Department nervous system. Develop- Coast Range are a dispose of up to 25 4245 Zanker Road ing fetuses and young significant source of fluorescent light tubes per San Jose, CA 95134 children are the most mercury-laden sedi- day. Conditionally exempt Phone 408-945-3000 susceptible to its debilitat- ment. Mercury from this small quantity universal Fax 408-934-0476 ing affects. Mercury can source is referred to as waste generators are still affect the way we see, a legacy pollutant. allowed to dispose of up hear, walk, and talk. A loss Today, the disturbance to 25 fluorescent light of physical coordination of mercury sediments tubes per day. and mental retardation are in creeks and riverbeds among the impacts from in these areas can • Mercury contained in long-term or high dose cause a release of hospital equipment such www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/esd exposure to mercury. mercury to the Bay. as thermometers, commercial switches, Not all fish are high in • Incineration and burning and controls is another The Tributary Tribune mercury, just certain fossil fuels are also source of pollution being serves the cities of species, and people at a significant sources of evaluated by regulators. San Jose, Santa Clara, higher risk from mercury are mercury that reach the Many controls for heating Milpitas, Cupertino those who eat fish from San Bay through indirect and ventilating systems Sanitary District, West Francisco Bay frequently. atmospheric deposition and stoves contain Valley Sanitation District The San Francisco Bay according to DTSC mercury, as well as (including Campbell, does not meet water (California Department thermometers, gauges Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, quality standards for of Toxic Substance and other devices. Saratoga), County mercury, so under the Control). Sanitation Districts 2-3, Clean Water Act, EPA Sunol & Burbank required the RWQCB to continued on next page Sanitary Districts tional and geographic For a free brochure, information about types of STREAM FLOW AUGMENTATION boundaries. It will take us Mercury in the Environment, equipment that commonly years to understand these contact your Source Control contain mercury in commer- As part of its 1997 group’s function was to large systems, gather the Inspector, or call (408) 945- cial and industrial applica- Revised Action Plan, the assist in the design and combined resources 3000. The brochure pre- tions. City of San José proposed development of the Stream needed, and effect a long- pared by DTSC, presents a stream flow augmenta- Flow Augmentation Pilot for term solution. Recognizing tion project to the Regional Coyote Creek. this, the RWQCB’s control Board. The City believes strategy is to focus imme- The goal of the pilot is that, if the environmental • Mercury methylation was diate efforts on smaller, to determine the environ- and technical constraints recently identified as known, controllable Plant Exceeds Tributyl Tin Limit mental benefit of stream can be satisfied, environ- another potential source. sources, while studies take In December 2000, San Francisco Bay area flow augmentation, before mental enhancement Methylation occurs where place and resources are the Plant exceeded the prohibition on the sale such a program could projects may represent a there is high organic collected to address the monthly average NPDES and use of tributyl tin- become a permanent cost-effective alternative to matter and low oxygen, very large sources. permit limit for tributyl containing cooling water feature in the community. benefit the environment This would then open the such as in swamps or Controllable sources are tin. There is a threat that additives in 1995. The while meeting regulatory way to consider other marshes. Methylated an area where businesses the monthly average limit prohibition is still in requirements to reduce potential stream flow mercury (a mercury atom can make a real difference will be exceeded again effect. Tributyl tin- flow to the Bay. augmentation projects on attached to a methane in preventing mercury in January 2001. We are containing additives must Six key goals drive the other regional streams. group) is the most pollution to the Bay. You asking all dischargers to be disposed of as City in its efforts on stream This project could also bioaccumulative form of can: review their chemical hazardous waste and not permit application for tions will not adversely usage, discharge and discharged to the sani- flow augmentation: establish a foundation for mercury, with the 1. Perform a mercury audit the pilot project! affect stream conditions cleaning practices for tary sewer. For more 1. Limit effluent flows using recycled water to potential to accumulate of your facility. Review Permit applications and that support cold water fish the last two months to information about prod- directly to the Bay. create and support wet- in fish tissue over one your MSD Sheets. You approvals will now be species, and hopefully help identify and elimi- ucts that may contain 2. Ensure that flow reduc- lands. million times the concen- might find mercury sought from the Santa identify habitat enhance- nate the source(s) of the tributyl tin, go to: tion programs are The following progress tration found in the water. almost anywhere — in Clara Valley Water District, ments for those species. In elevated levels entering www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ focused on the most has been made on the • Industrial and municipal paints, photo chemi- the California Department Coyote Creek, those the Plant. esd/pub_res.htm, Best cost-effective alterna- project: wastewater discharges cals, laboratory solu- of Fish and Game, US Fish species include Steelhead Tributyl tin has been Management Practices tives. • A site for the release contribute an estimated tions, landscape & Wildlife Service, and the trout and Chinook salmon. used as a treatment in Cooling Tower Pollution 25 - 62 kg (11 - 28 lbs) products, silk screening 3. Maximize the potential point for recycled water National Marine Fisheries cooling systems subject Reduction, January 1999. of mercury per year from pigments, gauges, use of recycled water in was selected on Coyote Service. If all required to metal corrosion, scale You may also call domestic and commer- lighting, relays, and Santa Clara County. Creek, near the Single- discharge permits and formation, and biological your Source Control cial sources combined. temperature controls. 4. Obtain stakeholder input ton Landfill. approvals can be obtained, fouling. The California Inspector or (408) 945- These sources include: 2. Develop a mercury and support for water • A three-year time frame the pilot will move into • human waste, laundries Department of Pesticide 3000 for a copy of the recycling programs. for conducting pilot implementation phase. control plan. Identify Regulation enacted a information. • dental/medical facilities waste streams and 5. Develop programs based studies was estab- Under the present • graywater, laboratories products that contain on sound data and lished. schedule, the earliest that Stream flow • Water quality and • septic haulers/portable mercury, and develop scientific analysis to the pilot stream flow augmentation toilets procedures to collect, TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! guide future expansion of facilities criteria were augmentation project could • toiletries, landfills developed. may begin this and dispose of these For the past year, the maintenance and operation the Stream Flow Aug- begin would be the sum- • household products summer. products properly. City of San José has been of the San Jose/Santa mentation Program, and • A monitoring program to mer of 2001. • electronics industries (Include fluorescent implementing an organiza- Clara Water Pollution 6. Safeguard the environ- collect background Stream flow augmenta- • food waste. lights, mercury vapor tional development process Control Plant, and the ment and the habitat for scientific information tion is a developing tech- Solving the Problem lamps, and metal halide called Investing in Results. control of discharges to the endangered species. was initiated. nology in its formative years. While similar pilot Clearly, there are some lamps in your plan.) The objective of this effort sanitary sewer system. Work to secure initial • CEQA and NPDES programs are being studied very large sources of 3. Develop a company is to ensure that City Please take a moment approval of the stream flow permit applications were across the country, a mercury. These large policy that promotes services are customer- and tell us what you think. pilot project began soon prepared and distributed number of scientific, sources cross over jurisdic- replacement of mercury- focused and performance- Inside this edition of the after the Regional Board for public review. containing products and driven. Understanding our Tributary Tribune is a short approved of the Revised • CEQA clearance was technical and environmen- equipment with mer- customers’ perspectives survey. You may complete Action Plan in September obtained on September tal issues must be resolved cury-free devices, where on our services is an and mail the enclosed 1997. In January 1998, City 27, 2000 when the before augmentation can such product alterna- important component of form. Or visit our special staff convened a stake- City’s Planning Depart- be considered a main- tives are available. this work. web page at holder group consisting of ment adopted the stream technology. 4. Specify mercury-free Manage Wastewater, www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ local, state and federal Negative Declaration. Successful stream flow augmentation must demon- practices and materials one of the core services esd/mwfb2000.htm resource agencies and • On October 18, 2000, when working with provided by San José’s and send off your input environmental advocacy strate that the release of the Regional Board recycled water during vendors and contractors. Environmental Services instantly. groups. This stakeholder approved the Plant’s Department, encompasses summer low-flow condi- tional and geographic For a free brochure, information about types of STREAM FLOW AUGMENTATION boundaries. It will take us Mercury in the Environment, equipment that commonly years to understand these contact your Source Control contain mercury in commer- As part of its 1997 group’s function was to large systems, gather the Inspector, or call (408) 945- cial and industrial applica- Revised Action Plan, the assist in the design and combined resources 3000. The brochure pre- tions. City of San José proposed development of the Stream needed, and effect a long- pared by DTSC, presents a stream flow augmenta- Flow Augmentation Pilot for term solution. Recognizing tion project to the Regional Coyote Creek. this, the RWQCB’s control Board. The City believes strategy is to focus imme- The goal of the pilot is that, if the environmental • Mercury methylation was diate efforts on smaller, to determine the environ- and technical constraints recently identified as known, controllable Plant Exceeds Tributyl Tin Limit mental benefit of stream can be satisfied, environ- another potential source. sources, while studies take In December 2000, San Francisco Bay area flow augmentation, before mental enhancement Methylation occurs where place and resources are the Plant exceeded the prohibition on the sale such a program could projects may represent a there is high organic collected to address the monthly average NPDES and use of tributyl tin- become a permanent cost-effective alternative to matter and low oxygen, very large sources. permit limit for tributyl containing cooling water feature in the community. benefit the environment This would then open the such as in swamps or Controllable sources are tin. There is a threat that additives in 1995. The while meeting regulatory way to consider other marshes. Methylated an area where businesses the monthly average limit prohibition is still in requirements to reduce potential stream flow mercury (a mercury atom can make a real difference will be exceeded again effect. Tributyl tin- flow to the Bay. augmentation projects on attached to a methane in preventing mercury in January 2001. We are containing additives must Six key goals drive the other regional streams. group) is the most pollution to the Bay. You asking all dischargers to be disposed of as City in its efforts on stream This project could also bioaccumulative form of can: review their chemical hazardous waste and not permit application for tions will not adversely usage, discharge and discharged to the sani- flow augmentation: establish a foundation for mercury, with the 1. Perform a mercury audit the pilot project! affect stream conditions cleaning practices for tary sewer. For more 1. Limit effluent flows using recycled water to potential to accumulate of your facility. Review Permit applications and that support cold water fish the last two months to information about prod- directly to the Bay. create and support wet- in fish tissue over one your MSD Sheets. You approvals will now be species, and hopefully help identify and elimi- ucts that may contain 2. Ensure that flow reduc- lands. million times the concen- might find mercury sought from the Santa identify habitat enhance- nate the source(s) of the tributyl tin, go to: tion programs are The following progress tration found in the water. almost anywhere — in Clara Valley Water District, ments for those species. In elevated levels entering www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ focused on the most has been made on the • Industrial and municipal paints, photo chemi- the California Department Coyote Creek, those the Plant. esd/pub_res.htm, Best cost-effective alterna- project: wastewater discharges cals, laboratory solu- of Fish and Game, US Fish species include Steelhead Tributyl tin has been Management Practices tives. • A site for the release contribute an estimated tions, landscape & Wildlife Service, and the trout and Chinook salmon. used as a treatment in Cooling Tower Pollution 25 - 62 kg (11 - 28 lbs) products, silk screening 3. Maximize the potential point for recycled water National Marine Fisheries cooling systems subject Reduction, January 1999. of mercury per year from pigments, gauges, use of recycled water in was selected on Coyote Service. If all required to metal corrosion, scale You may also call domestic and commer- lighting, relays, and Santa Clara County. Creek, near the Single- discharge permits and formation, and biological your Source Control cial sources combined. temperature controls. 4. Obtain stakeholder input ton Landfill. approvals can be obtained, fouling. The California Inspector or (408) 945- These sources include: 2. Develop a mercury and support for water • A three-year time frame the pilot will move into • human waste, laundries Department of Pesticide 3000 for a copy of the recycling programs. for conducting pilot implementation phase. control plan. Identify Regulation enacted a information. • dental/medical facilities waste streams and 5. Develop programs based studies was estab- Under the present • graywater, laboratories products that contain on sound data and lished. schedule, the earliest that Stream flow • Water quality and • septic haulers/portable mercury, and develop scientific analysis to the pilot stream flow augmentation toilets procedures to collect, TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! guide future expansion of facilities criteria were augmentation project could • toiletries, landfills developed. may begin this and dispose of these For the past year, the maintenance and operation the Stream Flow Aug- begin would be the sum- • household products summer. products properly. City of San José has been of the San Jose/Santa mentation Program, and • A monitoring program to mer of 2001. • electronics industries (Include fluorescent implementing an organiza- Clara Water Pollution 6. Safeguard the environ- collect background Stream flow augmenta- • food waste. lights, mercury vapor tional development process Control Plant, and the ment and the habitat for scientific information tion is a developing tech- Solving the Problem lamps, and metal halide called Investing in Results. control of discharges to the endangered species. was initiated. nology in its formative years. While similar pilot Clearly, there are some lamps in your plan.) The objective of this effort sanitary sewer system. Work to secure initial • CEQA and NPDES programs are being studied very large sources of 3. Develop a company is to ensure that City Please take a moment approval of the stream flow permit applications were across the country, a mercury. These large policy that promotes services are customer- and tell us what you think. pilot project began soon prepared and distributed number of scientific, sources cross over jurisdic- replacement of mercury- focused and performance- Inside this edition of the after the Regional Board for public review. containing products and driven. Understanding our Tributary Tribune is a short approved of the Revised • CEQA clearance was technical and environmen- equipment with mer- customers’ perspectives survey. You may complete Action Plan in September obtained on September tal issues must be resolved cury-free devices, where on our services is an and mail the enclosed 1997. In January 1998, City 27, 2000 when the before augmentation can such product alterna- important component of form. Or visit our special staff convened a stake- City’s Planning Depart- be considered a main- tives are available. this work. web page at holder group consisting of ment adopted the stream technology. 4. Specify mercury-free Manage Wastewater, www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ local, state and federal Negative Declaration. Successful stream flow augmentation must demon- practices and materials one of the core services esd/mwfb2000.htm resource agencies and • On October 18, 2000, when working with provided by San José’s and send off your input environmental advocacy strate that the release of the Regional Board recycled water during vendors and contractors. Environmental Services instantly. groups. This stakeholder approved the Plant’s Department, encompasses summer low-flow condi- WATER YOU WAITING FOR??? When you get down to Contact us at (408) 945- it, using less water in your 3700 or visit us at facility costs you less. www.slowtheflow.com Both water and sewer bills Special Thanks … go down. to these water smart W I N T E R 2 0 0 1 And saving water companies for their partici- through process and pation in the flow reduction equipment changes can rebate program in the mean a drop in energy and last two years. Altogether, chemical usage. their projects have reduced MERCURY & YOUR BUSINESS All of which impacts your flows by more than develop a Total Maximum Mercury from fluorescent bottom line. 370,000 gallons per day! Mercury and the Bay • For a limited time, we’ll Daily Load (TMDL). A draft and mercury vapor lighting • Agilent Technologies, Inc The San Francisco Bay give you up to $50,000 to TMDL report for mercury in is being investigated by • Analog Devices, Inc Regional Water Quality get the job done. Control Board (RWQCB) the San Francisco Bay the Regional Water • Hadco Corporation Big projects, small Printed on recycled paper. lists all segments of San Estuary was completed by Quality Control as a Intel Corporation projects.… If your facility • 0201/Q700:1291 Francisco Bay as impaired the RWQCB, and submit- possible atmospheric can save more than 200 • Lockheed Martin In accordance with the Americans due to mercury pollution. ted to EPA in May 2000. source of water pollution. gallons per day, then you Fairchild Systems with Disabilities Act, City of San Monitoring results show Adoption of a final TMDL Since mercury is also can apply for Water José Environmental Services for the Bay is expected to included on EPA’s list of • MMC Technology Department materials can be that Bay waters exceed Efficient Technologies. • Penninsula Coating made available upon request in the Basin Plan’s numeric occur by 2002. Now, Persistent, Call now and find out Services alternative formats, such as large objective for mercury regulatory focus is on Bioaccumulative, and print, audio tape or computer how you can get up to • Prosil in water (0.025µg/L), and determining where mercury Toxic substances $50,000 … in nice dry bills. disk. Requests may be made by comes from, and how best (PBT’s), control strategies • Summa Industries calling (408) 277-5533 (v) or that some fish from San (800) 735-2929 (CRS). Francisco Bay have to control those sources to from the solid and mercury levels that may meet the TMDL. hazardous waste side of the ledger are inevitable. www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/esd threaten human health. Mercury from Where? Presorted Standard For example, because Mercury pollution is of • Abandoned gold and U.S. Postage fluorescent lamps contain great concern because mercury mines located Watershed Protection Division PAID mercury, in March 2000, mercury is a neurotoxin throughout the Sierra City of San Jose Permit No. 502 DTSC repealed its policy Environmental Services San Jose, CA that affects the brain and Nevada foothills and allowing businesses to Department nervous system. Develop- Coast Range are a dispose of up to 25 4245 Zanker Road ing fetuses and young significant source of fluorescent light tubes per San Jose, CA 95134 children are the most mercury-laden sedi- day. Conditionally exempt Phone 408-945-3000 susceptible to its debilitat- ment. Mercury from this small quantity universal Fax 408-934-0476 ing affects. Mercury can source is referred to as waste generators are still affect the way we see, a legacy pollutant. allowed to dispose of up hear, walk, and talk. A loss Today, the disturbance to 25 fluorescent light of physical coordination of mercury sediments tubes per day. and mental retardation are in creeks and riverbeds among the impacts from in these areas can • Mercury contained in long-term or high dose cause a release of hospital equipment such www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/esd exposure to mercury. mercury to the Bay. as thermometers, commercial switches, Not all fish are high in • Incineration and burning and controls is another The Tributary Tribune mercury, just certain fossil fuels are also source of pollution being serves the cities of species, and people at a significant sources of evaluated by regulators. San Jose, Santa Clara, higher risk from mercury are mercury that reach the Many controls for heating Milpitas, Cupertino those who eat fish from San Bay through indirect and ventilating systems Sanitary District, West Francisco Bay frequently. atmospheric deposition and stoves contain Valley Sanitation District The San Francisco Bay according to DTSC mercury, as well as (including Campbell, does not meet water (California Department thermometers, gauges Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, quality standards for of Toxic Substance and other devices. Saratoga), County mercury, so under the Control). Sanitation Districts 2-3, Clean Water Act, EPA Sunol & Burbank required the RWQCB to continued on next page Sanitary Districts