Did you know dumping liquids and solids in or near creeks violates several State, County and City laws?

If you dispose of any material in or near creeks you may be guilty of a misdemeanor as set forth in the following codes:

California Penal Code
Section 374.7(a) of California's Penal Code states that it is unlawful for any person to litter or deposit any waste matter in water or on land in any area other than in appropriate storage containers. Section 374 also prohibits dumping of any waste matter in a body of water or upon a bank, beach or shore within 150 feet of water. It prohibits any person from knowingly depositing hazardous substances in any California water body, in roadways or on property without permission of the property owner. A hazardous substance is one that poses a significant present or potential risk to human health and safety or to environmental health. If convicted of such actions, a person is subject to fines and/or imprisonment, depending on the violation.

California Fish and Game Code
Section 5650 of California's Fish and Game Code states that it is unlawful to deposit, dispose of or permit the dumping of solids, liquids or carcasses into state waters.

California Health and Safety Code
Section 5411.5(a) of California's Health and Safety Code states that it is unlawful for any person, without regard to intent or negligence, to cause or permit sewage or waste to be dicharged into any waters of the state and requires notification of the disharge to a local official.

Santa Barbara County Code
Sections 17-10(c) and 17-10(g) of the County of Santa Barbara's Solid Waste Services Code states that it is unlawful for any person to improperly discard any solid or liquid waste in any street, alley, water body or public land. Section 17 also prohibits dumping of any waste material into any County sewer, plumbing fixture or pipe.

Santa Barbara City Code
Chapter 15.16.200 of the City of Santa Barbara's Municipal Code states that it is unlawful for any person to disharge or deposit any solid or liquid matter in any body of water, adjacent to any City park, or in any stream, tributary or storm sewer system, that will impair the water for people, animals or habitat.

Remember that creeks, oceans and the life within them are sensitive to pollution of all kinds. Please dispose of all waste in a proper manner. The health of our creeks and oceans depends on it!