The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2011-12

REGULATE: WASTE DISCHARGES TO LAND - WDR

GROUP:

INDUSTRIAL WASTE WDR FACILITIES

MEASURE:

NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS
NUMBER OF FACILITIES INSPECTED

MESSAGE:

Approximately 17% of industrial facilities regulated under individual WDRs were inspected statewide.

MEASUREMENTS - Data Last Updated on:

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

Although the percentage of facilities inspected varies among the different Regional Boards, approximately 17% of the facilities were inspected. Regions 3 and 9 conducted the vast majority of the documented inspections. Some facilities are inspected more than once a year, that 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 the WDR program to assess compliance with requirements. Inspection frequencies for WDR facilities are based on threats to water quality. In addition, the Regional Boards assess compliance by reviewing self-monitoring reports submitted by the discharger and responding to complaints. Validation of conditions described by self-monitoring data must be done through periodic inspection, and inspection is the only means to evaluate system maintenance and to observe unreported activities. Inspections are performed by priority, with high-risk sites and registered complaints receiving more attention.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Extracted on July 30, 2012.
Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected annually during FY 11-12.
Data Definitions: Inspections conducted by Regional Water Board staff, State Water Board staff, or contractors.
References: Information on the Water Boards’ WDR - NON15 program
Public Reports and Data
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

GLOSSARY

Industrial Sources: Facilities that treat and/or dispose of liquid or semisolid wastes from any servicing, producing, manufacturing or processing operations of whatever nature including mining, gravel washing, geothermal operations, air conditioning, ship building and repairing, oil production, storage and disposal operations, and water well pumping.
Waste Discharge Requirements Program: The Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Program regulates all point source discharges of waste to land that do not require full containment (which falls under the Land Discharge Program), or are not subject to the NPDES Program.

( Page last updated: 9/10/12 )