The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2013-14

MEASUREMENTS  - Data last updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data show that of the 2,008 cases that were active during FY 13-14 approximately 21% were taking actions to clean up and remediate the effects of pollution at different levels. Region 5 has more than one-third of all cases in active remediation. 52% of cases are under site assessment.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

The process of cleaning and remediation of the impacts of pollution may take several years and may be completed in different phases. During the period that a case remains active, work will be done to investigate the nature and extent of the contamination, determine appropriate cleanup goals and construct/implement actions to effect cleanup (remediation). For some cases the investigation may lead to a determination that no further action is needed. A case will remain active until this determination is documented. Tracking the number of cases in active remediation and active cases is important to assess and plan the future workload and evaluate results. The start of remediation is a major milestone for a cleanup case. It signifies the shift from assessment/planning to case-wide remediation. This performance measure is intended to show how well the Water Boards are doing at getting cleanup cases to this important milestone.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data source: GEOTRACKER. Period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
• Unit of Measure: Number of cases.
• Data Definitions: Active Cases: The number of cases overseen by Regional Boards that had an Open status as of June 30, 2014. Cases In Active Remediation: Cases with a status of Open-Remediation any time between 07/01/2013 and 06/30/2014. Cases in Assessment and Interim Remediation: Cases being assessed or monitored previous to remediation. Site Assessment: Cases currently being assessed. Verification Monitoring: Cases currently being monitored.
• References: The Water Boards' Department of Defense Program
  Public Reports and Data

GLOSSARY

Military Sites - Department of Defense Program

Decades of defense activities have degraded water quality on and around federally-owned facilities. Working with other agencies, the Regional Boards are involved with remedial investigation and cleanup actions. Agreements with the Department of Defense provide for accelerated cleanups at military bases and other Defense sites scheduled for closure and reuse. Site investigation and cleanup procedures are consistent with State laws and regulations as well as applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) which guides the federal Superfund program.

Active Remediation

Active remediation comprises the phase(s) of work where the actual construction or implementation of activities to accomplish cleanup at a site occurs. Active remedy includes: Interim remedial cleanup actions and final remedial cleanup actions that are intended to substantially address site pollution; Monitored natural attenuation, if that was the result of a remedy-selection process (e.g. through an approved CAP/RAP). Active remedy does not include: Pilot studies for remedies that are being considered; "Monitor only" cases that have not yet gone through the remedy selection process.

( Page last updated:  10/30/14 )