EPWU STORMWATER CREWS RECOVER STOLEN PROPERTY News Release Contact: Christina Montoya, Vice President-Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: January 12, 2012 EL PASO - While completing a stormwater compliance inspection at an auto salvage business on Alameda Avenue, El Paso Water Utilities Stormwater inspectors discovered some of the missing metal objects recently reported stolen in the Mission Valley. On Monday, Jan. 9, crews recovered two of the 15 storm drain grates recently stolen from neighborhoods in the Mission Valley as well as one EPWU manhole cover. On Thursday, Jan. 12, EPWU located four more of the utility's manhole covers and one meter box at the business. Storm drain grates are large steel grids, found along curbsides and in streets to prevent large objects from falling into the city's stormwater system. When they are removed, they leave behind deep holes that pose a danger for pets, pedestrians and motorists. Stormwater inspectors also issued a notice of violation to the business, U-Pull-It scrapyard at 9663 Alameda, for failing to have proper stormwater permits. The business has 30 days to renew its permit and clean-up the site. EPWU Inspectors and the El Paso Police Department continue their investigation into the thefts and are working to find the other missing items. Anyone with information is asked to call EPPD at (915) 832-4400 or make an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477).