The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2012-12
REGULATE: NPDES STORMWATER |
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MEASURE: |
NUMBER OF PERMITS ISSUED, RENEWED AND EXPIRED |
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MESSAGE: |
More than 79% of facilities regulated are current with the permit review cycle. |
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MEASUREMENTS
WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
Although there is significant variation between the Regional Water Boards, on average . . . ..
WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT
The Stormwater program establishes the required frequency for permit revision based on the classification of the facilities and their threat to water quality. Permit revision frequency are typically every 5, 10 and 15 years with the highest threat being reviewed every 5 years..
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
GLOSSARY
- Stormwater Program
- Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil or are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one 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.