The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - 2012

REGULATE:NPDES WASTEWATER

 
GROUP: NPDES WASTEWATER
MEASURE: INSPECTION TRENDS
MESSAGE:  Downward trend in the number of inspections conducted in the NPDES wastewater program.

 

MEASUREMENTS 

NPDES Major Individual

Region 2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
Grand
Total

NPDES Minor Individual

Region 2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
Grand
Total

NPDES Minor General

Region 2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
Grand
Total

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data show a downward trend in the number of inspections conducted since Fiscal year 2000-2001.  This downward trend is not equal in every region and regions such R5 and R4 had been able to maintain the number of inspections conducted. For compliance purposes, some facilities are inspected more than once a year, which is why the total number of inspections is greater than the total number of facilities inspected.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

Inspections are a primary tool used in determining and documenting compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and waste discharge requirements. Because of their size, major facilities represent a higher threat to water quality and receive a higher degree of compliance assurance activities. Recent revisions to the Water Board’s Memorandum of Agreement with US EPA specifies that major facilities be inspected at least once every two years or annually if violations are detected.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

GLOSSARY

Major Facility
Major municipal dischargers include all facilities with design flows of greater than one million gallons per day and facilities with approved industrial pretreatment programs. Major industrial facilities are determined based on specific ratings criteria developed by US EPA/State.
 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The NPDES permit program (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act ) controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.  US EPA has approved the Water Board’s program to issue NPDES permits.
 

 

( Page last updated:  6/19/12 )