Litter and Our Creek Ecosystems

Litter on Cal Poly's campus poses a serious threat to Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks. Wind and rain carry trash directly into our waterways through storm drains and overland flow. Common items like plastic bottles and food wrappers break down into microplastics that persist in our creeks indefinitely, harming aquatic life and degrading water quality.

During storm events, accumulated litter from parking lots, gathering areas, and walkways washes into our creek system. This debris can clog storm drains, leading to flooding and increased erosion. Wildlife may mistake plastic pieces for food or become entangled in larger items.

Help protect our creeks by:

• Using trash and recycling bins located throughout campus
• Securing loose items that might blow away
• Picking up litter when you see it, even if it isn't yours
• Organizing student club cleanup events along creek corridors

Report overflowing trash bins or areas with persistent litter problems to 805-756-5555. Remember, trash thrown on the ground today may end up in our creeks tomorrow.

The Critical Connection Between Pet Waste and Water Quality

Many members of our campus community may not realize that pet waste poses a significant threat to our creek systems. When left on the ground, pet waste doesn't just disappear – it washes into our storm drains and directly into Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks during rainstorms. A single gram of pet waste contains millions of bacteria, including harmful pathogens that can make both humans and wildlife sick.

San Luis Creek is already impaired for bacteria, and pet waste can worsen this condition. These bacteria can survive in soil for years, creating an ongoing source of contamination. When walking your pet on campus or along our trails, always carry waste bags and dispose of them properly in designated trash bins. Never leave waste near creeks or trails, even in remote areas.

Pet waste stations are conveniently located near the Health Center, along Via Carta, and at major trailheads.

Mountain Biking and Creek Protection

Our mountain biking trails at Cal Poly provide excellent recreational opportunities while requiring careful management to protect our creeks. When trails are misused or weather conditions ignored, the resulting erosion severely impacts our waterways. Excess sediment from trail erosion can smother fish eggs, reduce oxygen levels, and block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants in both Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks.

Staying on designated trails is crucial - creating shortcuts or widening trails damages vegetation and creates direct paths for sediment to enter our creeks. Never ride during or immediately after rain – wait 48 hours after significant rainfall to allow trails to dry. Use controlled braking techniques and avoid skidding, which can create erosion channels that funnel sediment directly into our waterways.

If you notice significant trail damage, document the location and submit an online report (anonymous reporting available). Our maintenance teams regularly assess trail conditions, but your observations help us address problems quickly.

Hiking Responsibly

Hiking the extensive trail network across Cal Poly's campus offers beautiful views of our creeks and landscapes, but requires mindful practices to protect these sensitive ecosystems. Foot traffic, especially on steep trails or during wet conditions, can create significant erosion that impacts our creek health.

Always use established switchbacks rather than creating direct downhill paths. These switchbacks are designed to minimize erosion and protect the soil structure that prevents sediment from washing into our creeks. When encountering muddy sections, stay on the designated trail rather than walking around - trail widening creates additional erosion channels and damages trailside vegetation that helps stabilize the soil.

Be especially careful on trails near Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks. These riparian areas are particularly sensitive to erosion, and disturbed soil here has a direct path to the creek. Avoid shortcutting down creek banks, which can create severe erosion problems during rainstorms.

Construction Site Stormwater Management

Construction activities on campus require vigilant management to protect our creeks. Every construction project, whether building new facilities or maintaining existing ones, must implement comprehensive erosion and sediment controls. These Best Management Practices (BMPs) prevent construction-related pollutants from entering Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks through our storm drain system.

Our construction teams install silt fences and fiber rolls to capture sediment, protect storm drain inlets with filters, and maintain stabilized construction entrances to prevent tracking sediment onto campus roads. All construction materials must be properly stored and contained to prevent spills and leaks. Site inspections, especially before and after rain events, ensure these measures remain effective.

If you notice issues at any construction site – such as muddy runoff leaving the site, unprotected storm drains, or improperly stored materials – please report them to egwinett@calpoly.edu. Your observations help us maintain compliance with stormwater regulations and protect our watershed.

Protect Our Creeks: Think Before You Flush

Sewer system overflows can be a serious threat to our creek health. Despite marketing claims, many "flushable" products don't adequately break down in sewer systems. When these items cause blockages, sewage can overflow from manholes and make its way to Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks through storm drains, causing severe bacterial contamination.

Never flush:

• Wet wipes (even those labeled "flushable")
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper towels
• Dental floss
• Cotton swabs
• Medications
• Cleaning wipes

These items belong in the trash. A single overflow can introduce millions of harmful bacteria into our waterways, potentially closing areas for recreation and harming wildlife.

If you notice sewage overflowing from a manhole or drain, immediately report it to 805-756-5555 or to UPD. Quick response helps minimize impacts to our creek ecosystems.

Creating a Creek-Friendly Campus: Car Care Essentials

Every day, thousands of vehicles come to Cal Poly, each potentially impacting our watershed. Vehicle-related pollutants pose a significant threat to water quality – just one quart of motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. Antifreeze, brake dust, and tire particles also contribute to water pollution, affecting both wildlife and water quality in our creeks.

Regular vehicle maintenance is your first line of defense against these pollutants. Check your vehicle monthly for leaks and address them promptly. When parking on campus, be aware of any fluids leaking from your vehicle and use drip pans if necessary. If you notice a spill report it to 805-756-5555 immediately.

Landscaping Practices for Creek Protection

The landscaping choices we make on campus directly impact our creek health. Native plants play a crucial role in preventing erosion and filtering pollutants before they reach our waterways. These plants have deep root systems that stabilize soil and require less water and fertilizer than non-native species.

Our grounds maintenance team uses smart irrigation controllers and regularly maintains systems to prevent overwatering and runoff. We've installed rain gardens and bioswales across campus to naturally filter stormwater before it reaches our creeks. These features slow water flow during storms and remove pollutants through natural processes.

You can help by staying on designated paths, reporting irrigation leaks, and avoiding damaging vegetation along creek banks.