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

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

Although the percentage of facilities inspected varies among the different Regional Boards, approximately 14% (17% in FY 11-12) of the facilities were inspected. Regions 3 and 5 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

It is the policy of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to ensure compliance with Water Quality Control Plans, NPDES permits, and Waste Discharge Requirements through Regional Board implementation of a comprehensive self-monitoring and compliance inspection program. 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, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Extracted on August 12, 2013.
• Unit of Measure: Number of inspections and number of facilities inspected.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA contractors. Facilities Inspected: Count of facilities inspected one or more times during a fiscal year.
• 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.

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:  9/13/13 )