Union City is moving ahead with efforts to eliminate trash from its stormwater system. At its April 22 meeting, the city council approved a $133,641 contract with United Storm Water, Inc., to install 93 full trash capture devices in storm drain catch basins throughout the city. The total project budget, including contingency and engineering support, is $153,688.
The move is part of the city’s compliance with a state-mandated goal to achieve 100% trash reduction in stormwater runoff by June 30, under the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit issued by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board.
United Storm Water, Inc., has a long history with the city, having previously installed more than 560 devices in phases dating back to 2012. City officials cited the company’s familiarity with Union City infrastructure and its role as both the manufacturer and installer of the devices as reasons the bid came in about 50% below the engineer’s estimate.
A 2023 feasibility study concluded that installing these additional 93 devices would help achieve another 3.2% trash reduction, bringing the city’s total to 655 devices in public areas. Another 115 devices are still needed on private property to meet the remaining target, though city staff said those areas fall outside the scope of the current project and may require separate legal and logistical planning.
The project is funded through the city’s Allied Waste Vehicle Impact Fund as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. More information on this plan can be located on the Union City official website; unioncity.org.
