NPDES Stormwater Construction
| 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 Stormwater Industrial
| 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
Although the number of construction facilities regulated under the stormwater program has seen a significant reduction due to the slowdown in construction activity, the program maintained a similar level of inspection coverage to previous years. The data show an uptrend in the number of inspections conducted since Fiscal year 2000-2001. This uptrend is not equal in every region and regions such as 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 the primary tool used in the NPDES Stormwater Construction and Industrial programs to assess compliance with NPDES requirements. The Stormwater construction program is unique in that the industrial activity (construction, land disturbance) is temporary in nature. Other industrial activities tend to be more long term (e.g., cement manufacturing, auto dismantling). As a result, it is critical to inspect construction facilities during the actual construction activity. Most construction sites follow a process of (1) Grading and Land Development Phase, (2) Streets and Utilities Phase, (3) Vertical Construction Phase, and (4) Post Construction Phase. The type of storm water controls varies depending on the phase of construction. It is also helpful to inspect a construction site during both wet and dry weather periods to determine permit compliance. For all of these reasons, the storm water program considers inspection of construction facilities a high priority.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
GLOSSARY
- Construction Stormwater Program
- Dischargers whose projects disturb 1 or more acres of soil or are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs 1 or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity (Construction General Permit, 2009-0009-DWQ).
- Industrial Stormwater Program
- Discharges associated with 10 broad categories of industrial activities are regulated under the Industrial Storm Water General Permit Order 97-03-DWQ (General Industrial Permit), which is an NPDES permit.
- General Permit
- An NPDES permit issued under 40 CFR 122.28 that authorizes a category of discharges within a geographical area. A general permit is not specifically tailored for an individual discharger.
- 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.
-
-
.
|
