7.39.245 THREATENED DISCHARGE

(a) It is unlawful to discharge any domestic waste or industrial waste into storm drains, gutters, creeks, or San Francisco Bay. Unlawful discharges to storm drains shall include, but not be limited to, discharges from toilets; sinks; industrial processes; cooling systems; boilers; fabric cleaning; equipment cleaning; vehicle cleaning; construction activities, including, but not limited to, painting, paving, concrete placement, sawcutting and grading; swimming pools; spas; and fountains, unless specifically permitted by a discharge permit or unless exempted pursuant to guidelines published by the Director of Public Works.

(b) It is unlawful to cause hazardous materials, domestic waste or industrial waste to be deposited in such a manner or location as to constitute a threatened discharge into storm drains, gutters, creeks or San Francisco Bay. A "threatened discharge" is a condition creating a substantial probability of harm, when the probability and potential extent of harm make it reasonably necessary to take immediate action to prevent, reduce or mitigate damages to persons, property or natural resources. Domestic or industrial wastes that are no longer contained in a pipe, tank or other container are considered to be threatened discharges unless they are actively being cleaned up.

(d) Exterior drains located in the following areas shall not be connected to storm drains:

(1) Equipment or vehicle washing areas;

(2) Areas where equipment fluids are routinely changed;

(3) Areas where hazardous materials, chemicals or other uncontained materials that are easily transported by wind or water are stored and are not secondarily contained; or

(4) Loading dock areas, except that loading dock drains to the storm drain system may be allowed if a valve or equivalent device is provided, which remains closed except when it is raining. Secondary containment shall be provided for any rooftop equipment, tanks or pipes containing other than potable water, cooling water, heating system hot water, steam, water condensate or equivalent substances, which the superintendent determines will otherwise cause a probable discharge to the storm drain system.