Santa Rosa, Calif. -- The City of Santa Rosa's Public Works Department has just announced the release of "Only Rain Down the Storm Drain," a pollution prevention video and information kit. The kit could save local businesses thousands of dollars in state and federal fines for water law violations. The City outreach materials are designed especially for companies in the cleaning industry and their customers.

"Many people don't realize that they are liable for the violations a cleaning crew commits on their property," warns Public Works Associate Civi Engineer MJ Oliveri. "Even as a customer, you can be fined up to $25,000 per violation. It's up to you to make sure your contractors are disposing of waste water legally."

Cleaning companies themselves are subject to the same fines. That is one reason Kerry Price, owner of North Bay Mobile Wash in Santa Rosa, was one of the first to make clean water practices part of his company's everyday routine. "Adopting clean water practices wasn't as costly or difficult as we had thought," declares Price, "and the City was helpful in getting us the information we needed to make the necessary changes. Now, everybody in our company - from the office staff to the frontlline workers - works as a team to make sure we do each job right. Our customers like knowing we're a "green" business, and we're all proud of the work we do each day."

Besides the 20-minute video, the City kit includes fact sheets for carpet cleaners, surface cleaners, auto detailers and general janitorial firms. It also contains a summary of relevant stormwater regulations, a poster and a bilingual handout for employees. Specially trained outreach staff are available to present the video and answer questions in person. Call (707) 568-3783 for more information.