Socorro City staff urge residents to curb stormwater pollution with disposal and yard-care tips

Socorro City staff delivered a brief public outreach presentation on stormwater pollution prevention, identifying common pollutants and advising residents on disposal and everyday practices to reduce runoff.

Isabella Perez, community liaison coordinator for Socorro City, opened the session and introduced other city staff, including Elizabeth Cruz, grants compliance officer for the grants and special projects department; Mariana Podaka, planning clerk in planning and zoning; and Elizabeth Borhon, community liaison in the recreation department. Additional participants identified themselves as Sergio Morales and Geraldine and said they are part of a city enforcement unit (transcript: "corforcing department").

Presenters said common local stormwater pollutants include tires and illegal dumping — specifically soil, chemicals and excessive trash debris — and listed household sources such as paint, grease, motor oil and fertilizers. The presentation described stormwater pollution as any contaminant that gets into waterways and emphasized citizen steps to reduce contamination.

City staff advised residents to take tires to an appropriate landfill or collection point and to bring paper, cardboard, plastic and metals to the local recycling center (the transcript refers to a "Sakura Recycling Center," spelling noted as in the record). They also recommended practical household actions: carry a bag to pick up pet waste; use water-based paints when possible; wash vehicles over grass or gravel rather than driveways that drain to storm systems; and recycle used oil and oil filters at local auto shops.

Speakers cautioned against applying pesticides or herbicides before rain because those chemicals can wash into drains and canals. The presentation closed with repeated reminders — "Storm water matters" — and an exhortation to keep Socorro clean.

The outreach was informational only; no motions or formal actions were recorded in the presentation. The city did not specify dates, drop-off schedule details, or the exact name and address of the recycling facility in the transcript. Residents seeking specific disposal locations and hours were directed to consult Socorro City resources (not specified in the record).