2015 California Trash Provisions
In 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Trash Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plans, commonly known as the California Trash Provisions. These regulations were designed to eliminate trash pollution from stormwater systems statewide, protecting rivers, creeks, and coastal waters from debris that harms wildlife, clogs drainage systems, and impacts water quality.
The Trash Provisions require public agencies to take meaningful steps to prevent trash larger than 5 millimeters (about the size of a cigarette butt) from entering storm drains and waterways by 2030.
VTA’s Commitment to Cleaner Waterways
To meet the 2015 Trash Provisions, VTA has implemented a comprehensive trash reduction program that focuses on prevention, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
A key part of VTA’s stormwater management strategy is the installation and maintenance of Full Trash Capture (FTC) devices. These specialized systems are designed to trap and retain trash and debris carried by stormwater runoff before it can enter the drainage system and flow into local creeks and the Bay. VTA maintains FTC devices through regular cleanouts and inspections throughout the year.
| FTC Before Maintenance | FTC After Maintenance | |
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VTA’s efforts include:
- Installing FTC devices in storm drain inlets and catch basins across VTA properties, including transit centers, park-and-ride lots, and maintenance yards.
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining FTC devices to ensure they remain effective.
- Tracking and documenting trash capture performance to meet regulatory requirements and identify opportunities for improvement.
Our Impact
By implementing and maintaining FTC devices, VTA is helping to:
- Reduce the amount of trash entering our local waterways.
- Protect aquatic habitats and wildlife from plastic and litter pollution.
- Improve the quality of stormwater runoff from VTA facilities.
- Support regional and statewide goals for cleaner, healthier water systems.
2015 California Trash Provisions
In 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Trash Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plans, commonly known as the California Trash Provisions. These regulations were designed to eliminate trash pollution from stormwater systems statewide, protecting rivers, creeks, and coastal waters from debris that harms wildlife, clogs drainage systems, and impacts water quality.
The Trash Provisions require public agencies to take meaningful steps to prevent trash larger than 5 millimeters (about the size of a cigarette butt) from entering storm drains and waterways by 2030.
VTA’s Commitment to Cleaner Waterways
To meet the 2015 Trash Provisions, VTA has implemented a comprehensive trash reduction program that focuses on prevention, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
A key part of VTA’s stormwater management strategy is the installation and maintenance of Full Trash Capture (FTC) devices. These specialized systems are designed to trap and retain trash and debris carried by stormwater runoff before it can enter the drainage system and flow into local creeks and the Bay. VTA maintains FTC devices through regular cleanouts and inspections throughout the year.
| FTC Before Maintenance | FTC After Maintenance | |
|
|
|
VTA’s efforts include:
- Installing FTC devices in storm drain inlets and catch basins across VTA properties, including transit centers, park-and-ride lots, and maintenance yards.
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining FTC devices to ensure they remain effective.
- Tracking and documenting trash capture performance to meet regulatory requirements and identify opportunities for improvement.
Our Impact
By implementing and maintaining FTC devices, VTA is helping to:
- Reduce the amount of trash entering our local waterways.
- Protect aquatic habitats and wildlife from plastic and litter pollution.
- Improve the quality of stormwater runoff from VTA facilities.
- Support regional and statewide goals for cleaner, healthier water systems.