AGENDA TITLE:
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Presentation of Proclamation Commemorating Storm Drain Detectives 25-Year Anniversary (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
May 7, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Public Works Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Presentation of Proclamation Commemorating Storm Drain Detectives 25-Year Anniversary.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 1998, the City of Lodi’s wastewater facility self-reported high chlorine levels in wastewater discharges to Dredger Cut because of a faulty piece of equipment, resulting in a discharge violation issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB). In response to the discharge violation, the City negotiated with SWRCB to develop a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which included a watershed based public education program and a newly formed citizen-monitoring group called the Storm Drain Detectives (SDD). With assistance from the Lodi Lake Nature Area Docent Council, the SDD program found success in completing initial monitoring activities.
Student monitoring began in fall of 2000, and continues to this day. The SDD program has grown to become a Lodi fixture over the last two decades, where more than 4,000 students have participated in collecting almost 10,000 water quality samples. Each month, students sample the Mokelumne River at five sites, asking the question, “How does Lodi’s stormwater affect the Mokelumne River’s water quality?”
The students test for pH, turbidity, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, and recently e-coli bacteria then post the results on-line. This data is used to study the potential impact of runoff on the river, while also engaging the public in stormwater issues and concerns. Each May, students present their data findings to the public (<https://www.lodi.gov/505/Monthly-Data>).
A handful of teachers help make the SDD program successful. Longtime SDD team leaders are Melissa Turner of Lodi High (since 2004); Sandi Starr of Tokay High (since 2007); Jud Atwater of Lodi High (since 2013); Janine Jacinto of Beckman Elementary (since 2014); Melanie Martinez of Reese Elementary School (since 2016); Dylan O’Ryan of Lodi High (since 2014); Matthew Shears and Lauren Madrigal of Vista Oaks Charter School (since 2021); Stacy Bechtold of Woodbridge Elementary (since 2023); Michelle White of Lodi Academy (since 2023); Kyle DeAnda of Lodi High (since 2024); Laura Kepner of Millswood Middle (since 2024); and Julie Ramirez and Lauren Schwabauer-Lewis of Lodi Middle (since 2024). The SDD program would not be as successful without the dedication of these educators and the City of Lodi staff who assist the Watershed Program Coordinator each year, adding expertise and oversight to equipment calibration, student training, and data collection.
Over the years, multiple grants have helped support the Storm Drain Detective Program. These grants have contributed to purchasing equipment, supporting watershed study trips and community watershed murals, and “Aquarium in the Classroom” programs, where students raise salmon from salmon eggs that are reintroduced to the Mokelumne River. The grants also contribute to the Mokelumne Current watershed newspaper, which is written and published by students. Since 2000, the City of Lodi’s Watershed Education program funding relies on generous donors, which include CALFED, PG&E, LUSD GOT Kids Foundation, Waste Management, Cal-Waste Recovery Systems, Clark Pest Control, Lower Mokelumne Partnership (EBMUD, USFW, CADFW), C.A. Webster Foundation, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and others.
The SDD Program and its teachers have received very prestigious, Statewide competitive awards from various interests, including the California Storm Water Quality Association, League of California Cities- Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, Lower Mokelumne River Partnership- Beeler Stewardship Award, City of Lodi - Lodi Improvement Committee, San Joaquin County Council of Government - Targeted Opportunities to Prevent Pollution Program Award, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor’s 2024 Commendation Award.
A representative of the Public Works Department will be present to accept the proclamation.
STRATEGIC VISION:
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable
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Charles E. Swimley
Public Works Director
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Christina Jaromay
Acting City Manager