The City of Davis has long recognized the environmental and recreational value of its wetland resources. The City has established the Pollution Prevention Program (also known as the Pollution Load Reduction Program) in 1994 to protect the environmental integrity of these resources. The program's goal is to reduce pollutant discharges to the sewers and storm drains -- the systems that flow into our ponds, creeks, and other wetlands. This is being accomplished through increased residential, business, and municipal awareness and practice of pollution prevention methods.

Two major wetlands resources are the Davis Wetlands and the Davis Ponds (located within the city limits). The Wetlands is a 400-acre site located adjacent to the Yolo Causeway near Interstate 80. The project is one of largest wetlands in the United States relying on treated wastewater and stormwater as the primary water sources and is California's largest freshwater wetlands containing only native plants.

The City has several major flood control detention ponds that serve as wetlands within the City limits. The ponds are located in west and north Davis, and near the downtown core area. These ponds have provided extensive recreational and educational opportunities for the residents of Davis, and are home to many aquatic creatures, including a large array of waterfowl species.

In 1994, the program's initial work effort was associated with identifying pollutants that have the potential to cause a detrimental impact to the wetlands and the sources of these pollutants. Based on the pollutant and source identification, implementation plans have been developed that specifically address tributyltin, selenium, and pesticides. Specific program elements include control strategies for commercial sources of tributyltin, an environmental business program, and a residential pesticide outreach program (i.e., the Healthy Gardens Program).

The City's Department of Public Works is responsible for the administration of the Pollution Prevention Program. The Natural Resources Commission reviews and comments on proposed Program direction and materials and advises the City Council on these matters. For more information, please call Jacques DeBra, Public Works Utility Program Specialist , at (530) 757-5679.