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

REGULATE: CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES

GROUP:

DAIRIES AND CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES (CAFs)

MEASURE:

NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS
NUMBER OF FACILITIES INSPECTED

MESSAGE:

Significant variation in inspection frequency across the regions.

MEASUREMENTS - Data Last Updated on:

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The percentage and number of facilities inspected varies among the Regional Board offices. The data show a low percentage of facilities being inspected across all regions. Region 5 conducted almost 47% of all the inspections in this category of dischargers. Although the percentage of facilities inspected varies among the different Regional Boards, approximately 5% of the facilities were inspected. 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 dairy and other CAFO 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

CAF: (Confined Animal Facility) is defined in California regulations as "any place where cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, fowl, or other domestic animals are corralled, penned, tethered, or otherwise enclosed or held and where feeding is by means other than grazing."
Dairy: An establishment for processing or selling milk and milk products.

( Page last updated: 9/11/12 )