$5.2 Million Approved for Pollution Education Program

As part of the settlement of a long-standing lawsuit over storm water that is polluting Santa Monica Bay, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a $5.2-million program to educate the public about problems caused by dumping pollutants down storm drains.

The supervisors voted to award the five-year contract to the Los Angeles public relations firm of Rogers & Associates. The company will be responsible for developing a plan to teach county residents, students, businesses and government agencies about ways to prevent pollution at the source so it never enters storm drains that flow into the bay.

In its proposal, the firm said the region’s transportation facilities, including freeways, streets, auto repair shops, gas stations and parking lots, are the largest sources of pollutants such as oil, grease, metals, solvents, detergents, fuel and debris.

Industrial complexes and commercial businesses also contribute hazardous byproducts, fertilizers, pesticides, litter and chemicals. Restaurants are sources of food waste, grease, litter and other pollutants.