The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2012-13
REGULATE: NPDES STORMWATER |
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| GROUP: |
NPDES STORMWATER
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES |
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| MEASURE: |
NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS
NUMBER OF FACILITIES INSPECTED |
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| MESSAGE: |
13% of large and medium size municipalities were audited or inspected in FY 12-13. |
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MEASUREMENTS
WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
The data show that during Fiscal Year 2012-13 the regional boards conducted 93 inspections and audits at 71 large and medium size municipalities. There is a significant variation in the percentage of facilities inspected among the Regional Boards. Although Region 4 has one third of all large and medium size municipalities enrolled under the Phase I MS4 program, there was only three inspections or audits recorded as conducted during FY 12-13.
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 program to assess compliance with NPDES requirements. Large, Medium and Small municipalities inspections require a significant amount of time and resources and typically involve auditing the process and systems in place to ensure compliance with stormwater requirements. |
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
GLOSSARY
- Municipal Stormwater Phase I Facilities
- The Municipal Storm Water Permits regulate storm water discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Under Phase I, which began in 1990, the Regional Water Boards have issued NPDES MS4 permits to permittees serving populations greater than 100,000 people. Many of these permits are issued to a group of co-permittees encompassing an entire metropolitan area. These permits are reissued as the permits expire.
- Municipal Stormwater Phase II Facilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Audit (MS4 Program)
- An MS4 audit is used to evaluate overall MS4 storm water program implementation, and identify problems the local government may have in implementing the program. MS4 audits involve a comprehensive review of the local government’s MS4 storm water program including: a review of the program elements including structural and source control measures, detection and removal of illicit discharges and improper disposal into storm sewers, monitoring and controlling pollutants in storm water discharges, implementing and maintaining structural and nonstructural Best Management Practices (BMPs), verification of implementation schedules, assignment of appropriate individuals, review of the inspection and enforcement program for industrial facilities and construction sites, evaluation of the dry weather screening program, determination of whether controls are in place and are in good working order, and whether facilities have schedules for construction of structural control measures.
