Pollution Enforcement

Call the Creeks Division's Enforcement Hotline at (805) 448-0117 or submit a report online.

The Creeks Division enforces water quality violations of the City’s Municipal Code to protect local creeks and the ocean from pollution. Any pollutants that enter the street and reach the storm drain system will quickly flow into creeks and the ocean untreated.

Common violations include construction site discharges (cement slurry, paint, etc.), commercial washing (power washing buildings and patios, car washing, dumping of mop water), and litter/illegal dumping.

When violations are reported, Creeks Division staff respond as quickly as possible to determine whether the reported incident is in fact a violation. Staff informs those responsible for the discharge (if known) that their actions are a violation of the Municipal Code, requires them to immediately stop the discharge, and provides a deadline for them to clean it up.