Only Rain Down the Drain


by Kathren M. Stevenson, Friends of Sausal Creek Restoration Director



One of 11 native trout found dead near El Centro Avenue in Sausal Creek on February 7, 2008. Photo by Kristina Cervantes-Yoshida

Ten years ago, the City of Oakland conducted DNA analysis of local rainbow trout populations to determine whether the populations were native or were hatchery stock. Trout living in Sausal Creek were determined to be native.'

'On February 7, 2008, 11 of these trout were found dead near El Centro Avenue in Sausal Creek. Continuing as a watchdog for the Sausal Creek watershed, Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) immediately notified the City of Oakland about the trout kill. The city immediately investigated the site and found evidence that solvents and/or paints were poured into a nearby storm drain immediately upstream of the El Centro trout pool. The city, together with the California Department of Fish and Game, collected water, soil, and fish samples to attempt to establish causality between the illegal dumping incident and the fish kill. Though the investigation is still pending, the perpetrators may face a fine between $5,000 and $10,000.'

'This story serves as a reminder that illegal dumping into storm drains can have immediate detrimental environmental consequences. FOSC has spent tens of thousands of volunteer hours restoring this local habitat to improve water quality and to restore trout habitat, in partnership with the City of Oakland, the Alameda County Flood Control District, and the California Coastal Conservancy. FOSC is using this incident to remind everyone that only rain goes down the drain; any other dumping into these drains is illegal. Unlike the sanitary sewer, storm-drain water is not treated before it reaches creeks and the Bay.''

'If rinsing water-based paints off of paintbrushes, it is okay to use the kitchen sink. Other types of paints and solvents are considered hazardous waste and should be sent to the Alameda County Hazardous Waste drop-off facility in Oakland at 2100 East 7th Street. If you have any questions about what is considered hazardous, please visit www.stopwaste.org.'

'To hear more about the status of the inhabitants of Sausal Creek and about fish conservation, please join us at our May member meeting. Emma Brown, Igor Lacan, and Robert Leidy (a U.S. EPA expert on fish in Bay Area Creeks) will discuss what is known about the creek's insects and fish and what options exist for improving their habitat here in Oakland.

'Thanks for your help in protecting creeks in the Sausal Creek watershed!