Blueprint Buzz - 2026 First Edition

Published on April 08, 2026

Why This Project Matters

Trash that enters storm drains flows directly into local creeks and the San Francisco Bay, harming wildlife, degrading water quality, and increasing long-term cleanup costs.

The Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) required cities to achieve 100% trash load reduction in municipal storm systems by January 2026.

Protecting waterways is both an environmental responsibility and a regulatory requirement.

What We’ve Accomplished

Since 2023, the City has implemented a citywide storm drain trash capture program:

Installed over 100 trash capture devices at key storm drain inlets
Strategically prioritized high-trash, high-impact locations
Completed three years of sustained planning, fabrication, and installation

Man in orange suit fabricating storm drain capture Man in orange suit installing storm drain

The Vision

A cleaner, more sustainable South San Francisco where:

Trash is captured before reaching creeks and the Bay
Storm drain infrastructure is proactively managed
Environmental stewardship is built into everyday operations

This project represents a long-term investment in protecting local ecosystems and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Next Steps

Finalize and implement a Storm Drain Asset Management Plan
Continue monitoring and maintaining installed devices
Identify repair or replacement needs to ensure long-term effectiveness

Key Points at a Glance

✔ 100% Trash Load Reduction Achieved
✔ Citywide Installation of Trash Capture Devices
✔ Compliance with State Stormwater Mandate
✔ Ongoing Infrastructure Monitoring and Maintenance

By capturing trash before it reaches our creeks and the Bay, the City is making a lasting investment in cleaner neighborhoods and a healthier environment for South San Francisco.