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...
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