The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2009-10

REGULATE: NPDES STORMWATER

MEASUREMENTS

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

According to the data extracted from the Water Boards' databases, there were 1,805 new or updated enrollees during fiscal year 2009-10. Construction activities are significant in every Regional Board and the program regulates a large number of construction facilities. On July 1, 2010 the new construction general order (2009-0009-DWQ) became effective. Due to the reduction in new construction activities in California the number of facilities initially enrolling in the program has decreased by almost 75%. There was a significant workload associated with enrolling all the facilities under the new general order. As with prior transitions to new permits, it is anticipated that enrollment will increase as permittees are notified of the consequences of failure to enroll if they are engaged in activities requiring a permit.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

The Construction Stormwater Program is unique in that the industrial activity (construction, land disturbance) is temporary in nature. This program is very dynamic and many new applications are received every year. As construction activities are completed, enrollees must submit a notice of termination. Therefore processing all new applications and permit rescissions represent a significant workload for the program.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: SMARTS.  Period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Extracted on August 9, 2010.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities enrolled under the program during FY 09-10.
• Data Definitions: Facilities enrolled under a general construction stormwater permit.
• References: More information on the Water Boards' NPDES Stormwater program is available at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/
• Public reports and data are available at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml
• Enforcement and compliance assurance information is available at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/enforcement/

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, 2000-0009-DWQ).

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.

( Page last updated:  9/19/11 )