Truckee River Fund +++ Enhancing and Protecting our Water Resources

Assessment of Petroleum Impacts to the Truckee River from Direct Stormwater Discharges

Project Sponsor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Grant amount: $30,840
Organization Match: $14,750.48 In-Kind from US Fish and Wildlife and UNR
Funding Date: June 2006
Grant # 20

This project is a study of hydrocarbon uptake by fish within the urban area of Reno and Sparks. Previous work has shown a significant increase in the uptake of hydrocarbons by fish in the urban area of the river, most likely from dumped petroleum products into storm drain catch basins. The project will be coordinated with the City of Reno and is multi-jurisdictional in nature.

There have been occasions where storm drain discharges containing oil have forced the temporary shutdown of the Glendale Water Treatment Plant. Specific reduction strategies coming from this study should help to mitigate this problem when implemented. Truckee River water quality will be improved.