The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2012-13

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

Although the number of construction facilities regulated under the stormwater program has seen a significant reduction due the slowdown in construction activity, the program maintained a similar level of inspection coverage than previous years. The stormwater construction program conducted 1,811 inspections at 1,522 facilities. Although this represent a reduction compared to the 1,991 in FY 11-12 and 2,795 inspections in FY 10-11, it is still the largest number of inspections conducted by any Water Board program statewide. If compared to the 8,994 construction sites that were active at least one day during the fiscal year, the percentage of facilities inspected was 17%. 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. Inspections are the primary tool used in the NPDES Stormwater Construction program 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

• Data Source: SMARTS. Period July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Extracted on August 12, 2013.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected at least once during FY 11-12.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA. It includes any inspection type. Facilities: Include any construction facility enrolled under the stormwater construction program that was active at least one day during FY 11-12.
• References: Information on the Water Boards’ NPDES Stormwater program
  Public Reports and Data
  Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

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).

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.

Inspection (Compliance and Non Compliance)

The Regional Board or State Board may inspect the facilities of any discharger at any time pursuant to Water Code, Section 13267. Compliance activities include all activities necessary to determine if discharges are in compliance with waste discharge requirements, NPDES permits, and related enforcement orders. Compliance inspections are classified as either Level A or Level B, with Level A being more thorough.

( Page last updated:  9/16/13 )