In a proactive effort to comply with stringent regulatory requirements, the City of Jurupa Valley is in the process of achieving trash capture by the December 2nd, 2030 deadline. The city is part way through the effort to install trash capture devices on over 1,000 catch basins, ensuring that they meet the standards set by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Learn about the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the success story of how Jurupa Valley turned to SWIMS and its StormTek devices to meet their regulatory requirements and improve their stormwater management system.
The Challenge: Meeting the 2030 Complete Trash Capture Deadline
Jurupa Valley, like cities across California, faces a significant challenge: achieving complete trash capture by December 2nd, 2030. This regulatory mandate required the city to prevent trash from entering water bodies through the stormwater drainage system, an initiative aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing water quality. With over 1,000 catch basins in need of retrofitting with trash capture devices, the scale of the task was enormous.
The city began the process by implementing trash capture devices sourced from a competitor, which were proving to be difficult to install and maintain. Jurupa Valley needed a more effective solution that would not only meet the regulatory requirements but also streamline installation and maintenance processes, as well as ensure long-term sustainability.
The Turning Point: Discovering StormTek at CASQA 2022
The search for a better solution led the city’s stormwater management team to the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) conference in 2022. It was here that they were introduced to SWIMS and the innovative StormTek™ trash capture device. The SWIMS team provided a live demonstration of the device, showcasing its advanced features and ease of use.
StormTek stood out due to its unique design, which allows the device to be fully removed from its frame without the need for tools. This feature significantly simplifies maintenance, a critical factor for the city’s public works department. Impressed by the demonstration and the potential benefits, the City of Jurupa Valley decided to shift from their existing devices to StormTek.
Initial Success: The First Round of Installations
In 2023, SWIMS completed the first round of installations, fitting 50 catch basins with StormTek devices. The feedback from the city’s maintenance teams was overwhelmingly positive. They found that the ability to remove the device from the frame easily made routine cleaning and maintenance tasks much simpler and faster. This ease of maintenance meant that the devices remained effective over time, reducing the risk of clogs and ensuring consistent trash capture performance.
Continued Progress: Expanding the Installation
Encouraged by the success of the initial installations, Jurupa Valley commissioned SWIMS to install an additional 73 StormTek devices in 2024. This expanded deployment further demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the StormTek solution. The city’s maintenance teams appreciated the consistent performance and the reduced labor and time required for upkeep.
Looking Ahead: Meeting the 2030 Deadline
With the proven success of StormTek, the City of Jurupa Valley is now planning to install approximately 700 more devices. This large-scale deployment is a testament to the city’s commitment to achieving complete trash capture by the 2030 deadline and its confidence in the StormTek solution.
The unique design of the StormTek device, which allows for tool-free removal from the frame, continues to be a standout feature. This innovation not only simplifies maintenance but also ensures that the devices remain effective in capturing trash, thus supporting the city’s environmental and regulatory goals.
The SWIMS Advantage: Why StormTek?
The success of Jurupa Valley’s trash capture initiative can be attributed to several key advantages offered by StormTek devices:
- Ease of Maintenance: The StormTek connector pipe screen requires very little maintenance. In fact, all that needs to be cleaned regularly is the surrounding area within the catch basin, using standard storm water maintenance equipment, such as a vactor truck.
- Durability: Made from stainless steel, StormTek connector pipe screens resist corrosion and stand up to the test of time. Devices we installed beginning in 2007 are still performing as well today as when we put them in.
- Scalability: The flexibility and ease of installation of StormTek devices make them suitable for large-scale deployments, such as the one planned by Jurupa Valley.
- Innovative Design: The unique design of StormTek sets it apart from competitors because it can be removed from its frame without the use of tools to be inspected or replaced (which is unlikely to be needed). Additionally, the lid is hinged to allow vector control access.
A Success Story for Complete Trash Capture
The City of Jurupa Valley’s journey towards achieving complete trash capture by 2030 is a shining example of how innovative solutions can transform municipal stormwater management. By partnering with SWIMS and adopting StormTek devices, the city has made significant progress in meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the sustainability of its stormwater infrastructure.
The successful deployment of StormTek devices in Jurupa Valley underscores the importance of choosing the right technology to address environmental challenges. As cities across California and beyond strive to comply with trash capture mandates, the example set by Jurupa Valley and SWIMS serves as a valuable model for effective and sustainable stormwater management.
Keeping Trash Out of Waterways
Waterways are vital ecosystems that support a diverse array of plant and animal life, provide drinking water, and offer recreational opportunities for communities. However, they are increasingly threatened by pollution, particularly from trash that enters stormwater systems. Keeping trash out of waterways is essential for several key reasons:
Environmental Health
Trash in waterways can cause severe damage to aquatic ecosystems. Plastics and other non-biodegradable materials can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, harming wildlife that may ingest or become entangled in the debris. Fish, birds, and marine mammals often mistake small plastic particles for food, leading to injury or death. By preventing trash from entering waterways, we protect these vital ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Human Health and Safety
Waterways that are contaminated with trash can pose significant health risks to humans. Trash can carry harmful bacteria and pollutants that contaminate drinking water sources and recreational areas, leading to illnesses and infections. Additionally, large debris can obstruct water flow, increasing the risk of flooding and associated property damage. Keeping waterways clean helps safeguard public health and ensures safe recreational environments.
Economic Impact
Polluted waterways can have a negative economic impact on communities. Tourism, fishing, and water-based recreational activities can suffer when water quality is compromised. Clean waterways attract visitors and support local economies, while polluted ones can lead to costly cleanup efforts and loss of revenue. Investing in trash capture technologies and maintaining clean waterways can yield long-term economic benefits for communities.
Regulatory Compliance
Many regions, including California, have implemented regulations to reduce trash in waterways and protect water quality. Municipalities are required to implement trash capture devices and other measures to comply with these regulations. Failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties. By proactively managing trash capture, cities can meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal and financial repercussions.
Climate Change Mitigation
Trash in waterways contributes to broader environmental issues, including climate change. Plastics in particular can release greenhouse gasses as they break down, contributing to global warming. Additionally, clean waterways play a crucial role in supporting healthy ecosystems that can sequester carbon and mitigate climate impacts. Preventing trash pollution helps address these broader environmental challenges.
Partner with SWIMS for Complete Trash Capture
Is your city facing the challenge of meeting complete trash capture requirements? Partner with SWIMS and discover how our innovative StormTek devices can transform your stormwater management system. Contact us today to schedule a demonstration or give us a call and learn more about how we can help you achieve your environmental goals.
Achieve complete trash capture with SWIMS and StormTek—innovative solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future.