Flooding and storms are becoming more common and violent due to climate change. More trash and contaminants wind up in our rivers, streams, and oceans after more severe storms.
In order to catch the trash before it contaminates vital Bay Area waters and in time for the next atmospheric rivers, a real-life hidden treasure called a Debris Separating Baffle Box has been discovered.
One of these buildings was installed at Bay Point and was seen by CBS News Bay Area. Contech Engineered Solutions employs professional civil engineer John Stiver as a stormwater consultant. “What ends up in our local waterways is simply mind-boggling,” he explained.
“We see chunks of concrete, we see basketballs, we see railroad ties, other things that you’ll see floating out in the Delta and out in the Bay,” said Stiver.
These baffle boxes provide an answer.
Contra Costa County set up the fourth huge, full trash capture device on Willow Pass Road at Alves Lane two months ago. A 40-ton structure was carefully placed into a huge hold that the crew had dug up and shored up.
It’s a striking structure. It contains a number of cages, chambers, and filters that deflect, catch, and retain any waste and garbage that stormwater runoff will carry into the drainage system. More than just big garbage particles are caught by the baffle box.
“We’re removing oil, grease, and hydrocarbons from the streets. Additionally, we’re collecting small silt particles,” Stiver said.
Michelle Mancuso, Senior Watershed Management Planning Specialist with the Contra Costa County Watershed Program, stated, “We are confident that the trash will be captured before it reaches the bay.”
Communities don’t want trash in their creeks, rivers, streams, or bays for a variety of reasons, according to Mancuso.
It degrades the quality of our water. It damages all living things, including fish. It is harmful to people. In the end, it harms people and their health because it can spread bacteria or viruses or reduce the amount of oxygen in the water,” the expert said.
To stop trash from entering and contaminating waterways, some California municipal stormwater systems are required to install devices such as this by July 2025.
Caltrans made a $1.6 million contribution to the Bay Point project.
Now hidden underground, the baffle box is invisible. Some manholes, however, are. When the gadget is full of trash and needs to be emptied, these are utilized to gain entry.
Sammy Jimenez, age seven, and his mother Adele emerged from their house to observe the installation. They both gave their OK.
Sammy remarked, “It collects all the garbage,”
His mother added, “That seems like a good plan.”
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.