Program Contact

For more information visit the Racial Equity Action Plan web page. 

Kason Grady / 707-576-2682 / Kason.Grady@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

On February 2, 2023, the North Coast Water Board adopted Resolution No. R1-2023-0001 (aka the Racial Equity Resolution) Condemning Racism, Xenophopbia, Bigotry, and Racial Injustice and Strengthening Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Access and Anti-Racism in the North Coast Region. This project to develop a Racial Equity Action Plan is a commitment that the North Coast Water Board made within its Racial Equity Resolution and is intended to complement the Action Plan for the State Water Board by articulating a vision for racial equity and outlining specific actions to address North Coast Water Board systems that perpetuate racial inequities while establishing new, equitable, and resilient systems.
The North Coast Water Board has established a working group of staff to engage the Regional Water Board, draft the Racial Equity Action Plan and consult with California Native American Tribes and seek out input from Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and other people of color communities, as well as other underrepresented members of the public. The working group has already initiated tribal consultations and developing relationships with interested communities. The draft Racial Equity Action Plan is scheduled to be ready for public review and comment by October 1, 2024, at which time the Regional Water Board will host a public workshop and the working group will conduct listening sessions to obtain direct engagement with and feedback from these communities of interest and the public at large.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Engage all staff at the North Coast Water Board to inform the Action Plan.
• Continue to build relationships with Native American Tribes, their staff, and Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and other people of color communities.
• Draft the Racial Equity Action Plan for public review and comment.
• Host a Regional Water Board public workshop on the draft Racial Equity Action Plan.
• Conduct listening sessions to obtain direct engagement with and feedback from communities of interest and the public at large.
• Document public comments and provide staff responses to those comments and associated updates to the draft Action Plan.
• Present the Racial Equity Action Plan to the North Coast Water Board.

Program Contact

Matt St. John / 707-570-3762 / Matt.St.John@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Climate change is intensifying rainfall and floods, lengthening periods of drought, and shifting weather patterns across the globe, causing profound effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, water supplies and water quality. The North Coast of California is no exception, having experienced precipitation whiplash in recent years – dramatic swings from prolonged drought causing strained water supplies and contributing to catastrophic wildfires, to atmospheric rivers and extensive flooding. Climate instability and extremes are causing an increasing frequency of water-related disasters around the world and in the North Coast. While these events are primarily related to water quantity – either too little (leading to diminished water supply for humans and wildlife) or too much (leading to flooding and sea level rise) – impacts related to water quality are increasing as well. Temperature increases, sea level rise, and changes in precipitation are causing degradation of water quality objectives and stressing beneficial use support.
In January 2023 the Regional Water Board created a Climate Specialist position in order to advance our agency’s strategic initiatives addressing climate change. Working with Regional Water Board colleagues from multiple programs and with outside agencies and partners, the Climate Specialist is working to advance priority climate change adaptation and resilience strategic initiatives. Informed by and aligned with various strategies and policies of the state of California, these initiatives reflect a combination of projects that utilize the Regional Water Board’s existing regulatory authorities, projects that explore the development of new regulations aimed at leveraging partnerships to achieve common climate resilience goals, and projects that provide technical and policy support for regional and local planning aimed at promoting climate resilience.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Provide technical and policy support in development of a Shoreline Adaptation Atlas for Humboldt Bay to Inform Equitable Adaptation to Sea Level Rise (project pending grant funding).
• Outstanding National Resource Waters project - provide project guidance and develop a project charter and a Memorandum of Understanding with outside entities providing technical support.
• Participate in reviews and workgroups for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project including planning for beneficial reuse of dredge materials for sea level rise adaptation projects.
• Provide technical and policy support to the State Water Board on the Water Quality Certification and CEQA analysis for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
• Review grant funding proposals for nutrient reduction projects in the Upper Klamath Basin.
• Provide input on updates to the State Water Board’s 2017 Climate Resolution.
• Provide policy support on the Narrative Flow Objective project and on revisions to the Scott and Shasta agricultural permits.
• Provide support as needed to identify and incorporate climate change considerations into Regional Board projects and programs.

Program Contacts

Humboldt Bay Steward – Program Lead:
Elizabeth Pope / 707-445-6131 / Elizabeth.Pope@waterboards.ca.gov
Scott River and Shasta River Steward – Program Lead:
Eli Scott / 707-576-2610 / Elias.Scott@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The Watershed Stewardship Approach (WSA) enhances the Regional Board’s capacity to develop comprehensive and collaborative water quality improvement measures that support all program areas and increase coordination with other agencies, entities, and programs. The effort is based on defined watershed management areas and is intended to promote collaboration among participants. This approach is consistent with that recommended by U.S. EPA in the Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. EPA, March 2008), and a nine-element watershed-based plan is very similar to a watershed stewardship plan. 

While the WSA is being implemented, to varying degrees, in many watersheds in the North Coast region, the Region has two Senior Environmental Scientists who are dedicated “Watershed Stewards” focusing on the Scott River, Shasta River, Elk River, and Humboldt Bay. The purpose of the Watershed Stewards' work is to implement the WSA, adaptive management, and lead efforts to improve water quality conditions in the watersheds that are under their purview.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

Humboldt Bay Steward

• Lead watershed stewardship efforts in the Elk River watershed including partner engagement, landowner outreach, grants and funding, and regional cross-program coordination.
• Support Elk River Bioassessment data collection.
• Oversee the contracting process for the formation of an Elk River watershed Science and Coordinated Monitoring Workgroup.
• Support Humboldt County (contractor) in the development of a Project Study Report for flooding on Elk River Road.
• Lead stewardship efforts in Humboldt Bay including partner engagement and regional cross-program coordination.
• Assist in development of the Humboldt Bay Shoreline Adaptation Atlas (project pending grant funding).
• Participate in reviews and workgroups for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project (Humboldt Wind Energy Project).

Scott River and Shasta River Steward

• Lead watershed stewardship efforts in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds including partner engagement, landowner outreach, grants and funding, and regional cross-program coordination.
• Implement the TMDL Action Plans for the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds.
• Implement the existing Scott and Shasta TMDL Conditional Waivers of Waste Discharge Requirements.
• Develop Scott and Shasta Waste Discharge Requirements to supersede the existing Waivers of Waste Discharge Requirements, to be considered for Adoption in October 2025.
• Manage the Scott River Biostimulatory Conditions monitoring program.
• Analyze existing data for status and trends assessment to guide adaptive management of Regional Water Boards programs.
• Engage with the State Water Board on various flow efforts in the Scott and Shasta watersheds via the California Water Action Plan process, emergency drought regulation implementation, and/or long-term flow setting efforts in both watersheds.

For more information visit the Restoration Program web page. 

Program Contacts

Restoration Specialist
Jake Shannon / 707-576-2673 / Jacob.Shannon@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Many of the North Coast Region's aquatic ecosystems - rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, enclosed bays, and estuaries - are home to sensitive beneficial uses and at-risk species. The structure, function, and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to disruption, and often require proactive, restorative measures to correct impairment, prevent further degradation, or increase resilience.
The North Coast Water Board supports the implementation of projects that are designed to restore, protect, and enhance the waters of the state. In January 2015, the North Coast Water Board adopted the Policy in Support of Restoration in the North Coast Region – Resolution No. R1-2015-0001. The Policy describes in detail: (1) the importance of restoration projects for the protection, enhancement and recovery of beneficial uses, (2) the obstacles that slow or preclude restoration actions, (3) the legal and procedural requirements for permitting restoration projects, (4) the ongoing Regional Water Board effort to provide support towards the implementation of restoration projects, and (5) direction to staff to continue to support restoration in the future.
The permitting of restoration projects can vary in complexity depending on the specific circumstances of the project, its setting, and the associated resources in the area. North Coast Water Board staff are available to assist practitioners who are considering implementation of a restoration project that is designed to protect, enhance, and recover the conditions of waters of the state. Additionally, the North Coast Water Board administers state and federal grants and loans that may be available for restoration projects.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Support restoration practitioners during the planning, permitting, and implementation of beneficial restoration projects.
• Engage with partner agencies to support the State’s Cutting Green Tape Initiative.
• Facilitate the implementation of the Statewide Restoration General Order, Small Habitat Restoration Permit, and CDFW’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act.
• Work with Tribal Governments implementing restoration and remediation actions in response to catastrophic wildfire events.
• Work with the Klamath River Renewal Corporation and other agency partners to restore conditions within the four lower Klamath River dam project sites.

Program Contact

Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Flow and riparian protection work in the North Coast Region is supported by a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer acting as the region’s Flow and Riparian Specialist.  The Specialist supports collaboration and coordination across programs and agencies to promote watershed recovery goals, particularly those related to instream flows and riparian shade. The purpose of the Specialist’s work is to support the development and implementation of regulatory and non-regulatory actions related to stream flow and riparian shade to support watershed health, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and restore and maintain beneficial uses of water in the North Coast Region. 

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Lead development of the Narrative Flow Objective for the North Coast Region (see Planning Program information for a description of this work).
• Support Scott River and Shasta River permit development.
• Oversee contractors’ work on flow related projects in the region.
• Support and advise on flow and riparian related topics for regional permitting, enforcement, and TMDL development efforts.
• Coordinate with external partners, agencies, Tribes, and non-governmental organizations on flow and riparian related topics and issues in watersheds of the North Coast Region.
• Coordinate with the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights on regional flow matters.

For more information visit the Basin Planning Program web page. 

Program Contact

Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region (Basin Plan) provides the foundation for all North Coast Water Board regulatory and restoration actions. The Basin Plan identifies the beneficial uses of surface and ground waters, water quality objectives to protect those uses (including an anti-degradation policy), policies and action plans to achieve objectives, waste discharge prohibitions, and a monitoring and surveillance program to ensure implementation actions are effective. The Purpose of the Basin Planning Program is to review and update the Basin Plan on a triennial basis, to establish new water quality standards and amend existing standards to ensure their effectiveness.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

Basin Plan Remediation

• Public review and Board adoption of Basin Plan editorial Updates identified through the 2023 Triennial Review.

Native American Culture Beneficial Use
Michelle Fuller / 707-576-2350 / Michelle.Fuller@waterboards.ca.gov

• White Paper Comparing Regional and Statewide Native American Culture Beneficial Use Definitions, conduct stakeholder outreach and coordination meetings.

Narrative Flow Objective*
Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov

• CEQA scoping, conduct Tribal Consultation, Peer Review draft staff report.

Outstanding National Resource Waters*
Matt St. John / 707-570-3762 / Matt.St.John@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop a project charter and a Memorandum of Understanding with outside entities, providing technical support.

Trinity River Temperature Objective*
Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop a project charter and a Memorandum of Understanding with outside entities, conduct outreach and meetings with project proponents.

Lower Eel River Eel River Exception to Seasonal Discharge Prohibition*
Justin McSmith / 707-576-2082 / Justin.McSmith@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop a project charter and a Memorandum of Understanding with outside entities, providing technical support.

* Indicates the lead staff for the project is not part of the basin planning program, but that planning staff are serving in a supporting role

For more information visit the TMDL Program web page. 

Program Contact

Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires that states identify water bodies that do not meet water quality standards and the pollutants that impair them. When an impairment is identified, TMDL studies are conducted to examine the water quality problem, identify pollutant sources, and specify actions necessary to restore water quality. TMDL Implementation Policies and Action Plans are developed to implement the TMDL and are often adopted by the Regional Water Board as amendments to our Region's Basin Plan. The purpose of the TMDL Program is to restore and maintain impaired surface waters through conducting water quality assessments and developing implementation plans to address impairments.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

Russian River Pathogen TMDL Action Plan
Lance Le / 707-576-6727 / Lance.Le@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop a public Review draft Staff Report and Action Plan that revises the 2021 proposed Russian River Pathogen TMDL Staff Report and Action Plan sections pertaining to onsite waste treatment system (OWTS) implementation actions.

Coastal Pathogen Project
Prachi Kulkarni /707-576-2650 / Prachi.Kulkarni@waterboards.ca.gov

• Complete source control recommendations report for the Coastal Pathogen Project.

Gualala Sediment TMDL Action Plan
Nick Fetherston / 707-570-3761 / Nicholas.Fetherston@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop a draft Staff Report and Action Plan for the Gualala Sediment TMDL for public review.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature TMDLs
Matt Graves / 707-576-2831 / Matt.Graves@waterboards.ca.gov 

• Develop a draft Staff Report and Action Plan for the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature TMDLs for public review.

For more information visit the Integrated Report Program web page.

Program Contact

Mary Bartholomew / 707-576-2662 / Mary.Bartholomew@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to assess the condition of its surface waters and report its findings. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to identify water bodies that do not meet water quality objectives and are not supporting their beneficial uses; these waters are placed on the Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited Segments (also known as the list of Impaired water bodies or 303(d) List). California has integrated the 303(d) List of Impaired Waters and the 305(b) Water Quality Assessment Report into a single report (Integrated Report). The Integrated Report satisfies the requirements of both Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b). The State Water Board is responsible for producing an Integrated Report every 2 years. Each report compiles and assesses data for three regions at a time, such that each region is on a 6-year cycle.  Regional Board staff work closely with State Water Board staff to perform the comprehensive assessment of water quality data collected in the North Coast region.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Collaborate with statewide Integrated Report program staff on development of the 2026 Integrated Report.
• Summarize Lines of Evidence, which evaluate regional data, into Decisions that identify if a waterbody is meeting objectives and supporting beneficial uses.
• Develop draft 2026 303(d) List for the North Coast Region for public review.
• Assist State Water Board staff in the development of the 2026 Integrated Report Staff Report.
• Conduct outreach on the North Coast Region’s proposed 2026 303(d) list.

For more information visit the SWAMP Program web page.

Program Contact

Rich Fadness / 707-576-6718 / Rich.Fadness@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) is a statewide monitoring program designed to assess the conditions of surface waters throughout the state of California. SWAMP was created to fulfill the legislative mandate for a unifying program that would coordinate all surface water quality monitoring conducted by the State and Regional Water Boards. The SWAMP program conducts water quality monitoring directly and through collaborative partnerships, and provides numerous reports, fact sheets and tools, all designed to support water resource management in California. SWAMP monitoring projects assess overall water quality status and trends, identify water quality problems and potential sources, and evaluate program effectiveness.
The program is administered by the State Water Board and implemented at the regional level. To support the regions’ monitoring activities, the statewide SWAMP Program has created a Quality Assurance (QA) program, developed a standardized data storage system, created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling, generates peer reviewed monitoring plans for each project, and regularly updates a list of key water quality indicators for surface water monitoring. 

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Participate in statewide efforts to develop/test SWAMP SOPs.
• Provide review, guidance, and recommendations for developing and maintaining statewide monitoring programs and research efforts.
• Work with other Agencies, NGOs, Tribal Governments, and the public to foster collaborations and support monitoring and data collection efforts.
• Integrate SWAMP program elements into permit monitoring requirements and coordinate with staff to support programmatic monitoring and assessment.
• Develop a Long-Term Monitoring Framework to identify future Regional Board monitoring priorities and efforts.
• Provide training to field staff.
• Develop regional monitoring program workplans and status reports.
• Communicate data results and findings with internal and external stakeholders.

For more information visit the FHAB Program web page.

Program Contact

Mike Thomas / 707-576-2556 / Michael.Thomas@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

Over the last decade, there has been an increased frequency and severity of freshwater harmful algal blooms (FHABs) around the world. The Regional Water Board has received reports of and has observed FHABs and other nuisance algae in the North Coast Region, including those associated with human and animal illnesses. The risk factors that contribute to FHABs and nuisance algae include nutrient enrichment (phosphorus and nitrogen), warming climate, reduced riparian shade, channel aggradation, and lower flows. The Regional Water Board is working to reduce risk factors through its water quality improvement programs. The FHAB program is working to track and respond to FHABs through monitoring, data assessment, partner coordination, and increased educational outreach. 

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Conduct FHAB virtual and field trainings for tribal, county, and other partners.
• Conduct pre-holiday assessments (Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, post-season).
• Collaborate with USEPA to develop standardized benthic monitoring protocols.
• Prepare FHAB program end-of-year summary report.
• Coordinate with California Cyanobacteria HAB Network to complete revised benthic monitoring guidelines.
• Develop monitoring plans for 2025 FHAB special study and partner monitoring projects.
• Continue and/or expand coordination with tribes, counties, and other partners.
• Conduct emergency and incident FHAB monitoring and response.
• Maintain and update the FHAB report and monitoring system.
• Engage with and assist regional and statewide FHAB coordinators.

For more information visit the Forest Activities Program web page.

Program Contacts

Counties: Del Norte, Modoc, Northern Humboldt, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity
Forest Fortescue / 707-576-2595 / Forest.Fortescue@waterboards.ca.gov
Counties: Sonoma, Mendocino, Southern Humboldt, Trinity, Glenn, Lake
Jim Burke / 707-576-2289 / James.Burke@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov 

Overview and Purpose

The forested watersheds of California’s North Coast Region are of significant economic and environmental importance, providing a source of water supply, timber, fisheries, and recreational use, while supporting a diverse array of both terrestrial and aquatic species.
The Regional Water Board’s Forest Activities Program regulates activities on forested landscapes that can result in nonpoint source (NPS) discharges of waste to streams and other waterbodies. These discharges are addressed through individual and general permits that cover activities being conducted on private and federal lands. Potential impacts from land disturbing activities in our forests include sediment discharges from felling trees; yarding and hauling of logs; road construction and reconstruction; watercourse crossing construction, reconstruction, or removal; livestock grazing on federal lands; herbicide applications; vegetation management; and road use and maintenance. Impacts to streams can result from the removal of vegetation that provides shade and organic materials to streams.
Some forest activities have the potential to positively affect the beneficial uses of our surface waters. Timber harvesting and fuels reduction operations provide an opportunity to decommission, replace, or reconstruct legacy roads which are frequent sources of chronic sediment inputs to surface waters. Fuels reduction projects can assist in reducing wildfire severity and thus can reduce post-fire sediment discharges. Mitigation and restoration work can provide opportunities for addressing legacy erosion sites and removal of fish migration barriers.

Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Review forest management activities for conformance with existing individual and general permits for private, state, and federal lands. Conduct compliance and review inspections on 175 projects.
• Finalize a new Federal Lands Permit for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Once adopted, implement permit and review activities for conformance.
• Conduct outreach to support the use of the new Rural Roads General Order.
• Engage with the CAL FIRE and Board of Forestry to improve oversight and regulation of post-wildfire timber salvage operations.
• Implement the new Statewide Electrical Utility General Order once adopted by the State Water Board.

For more information visit the Surface Water Protection Program web page.  

Program Contacts

Counties: Del Norte, Modoc, Humboldt, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity
Ryan Bey / 707-576-2679 / Ryan.Bey@waterboards.ca.gov
Counties: Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake
Gil Falcone / 707-576-2830 / Gil.Falcone@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The North Coast Water Board’s Surface Water Protection Program is responsible for protecting the quality of surface waters of the state, including rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, enclosed bays, and estuaries. These aquatic ecosystems are home to sensitive beneficial uses and at-risk species, therefore any project activities that may affect their quality or condition must be regulated to prevent their net loss or degradation. 
The Program regulates a range of different project types within waters of the state, including but not limited to development projects, gravel mining, harbor and bay dredging, utility corridor maintenance, aquatic habitat restoration, bank stabilization, and emergency infrastructure repair. The Surface Water Protection Program also permits watercourse crossing construction and repair activities that are not otherwise being regulated by other North Coast Water Board programs, such as the Forest Activities Program and/or Cannabis Regulatory Program.
Surface Water Protection Program staff routinely assist applicants before they submit an application to identify whether a proposed activity may qualify for permitting based on its design, objectives, and environmental analysis for conformance with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). Once staff deem an application complete and the application fees have been received, staff will permit the project by issuing either (1) waste discharge requirements or waivers under the State’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authority, or (2) water quality certifications under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These permits authorize applicants to conduct dredge, fill, or excavation activities within waters of the state, or Waters of the United States. Staff condition these authorizations to first avoid, then minimize, and last to mitigate temporary or permanent impacts, and include post-project monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure permit compliance. 
Additionally, the Surface Water Protection Program conducts complaint investigations, violation notifications, compliance assistance and advanced enforcement actions to landowners conducting impactful or unpermitted activities.

Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Support project applicants for regulatory compliance during the planning, permitting, implementation and post-project monitoring for projects that could impact surface waters.
• Meet program performance targets and regulatory timelines for permit processing while ensuring applicants adhere to water regulations.
• Conduct complaint investigations and enforcement actions for unpermitted or impactful activities that are degrading or threatening to degrade water quality. 
• Provide regulatory oversight for the ongoing deconstruction and restoration of the four lower-Klamath River dams.
• Engage with the development of the Humboldt Bay Wind Port and offshore Wind Farms.
• Implement the new Statewide Electrical Utility General Order once adopted by the State Water Board.

For more information visit the Cannabis Cultivation Waste Discharge Regulatory Program web page.

Program Contact

Mona Dougherty / 707-576-2676 / northcoast.cannabis@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The State Water Board developed the Cannabis Cultivation Policy – Principles and Guidelines for Cannabis Cultivation (Cannabis Cultivation Policy), and it was adopted in October 2017 with General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) and Waiver of WDRs for Discharges of Waste Associated with Cannabis Cultivation (Cannabis General Order), which was renewed in 2023 as Order WQ 2023-0102-DWQ. The geographic scope of the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order covers the entire state with priority regions established for areas with streams bearing anadromous fish habitat. The Cannabis Cultivation Policy establishes principles and guidelines to ensure that water diversions and discharges of waste associated with cannabis cultivation do not negatively affect water quality, aquatic habitat, riparian habitat, wetlands and springs. 
The Cannabis Program staff’s primary duties include implementation and enforcement of the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order, the Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region (Basin Plan), the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code), and the federal Clean Water Act to ensure protection of water quality and to address violations associated with cannabis cultivation. 

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Inspect illegal cannabis cultivation sites and conduct enforcement, as necessary, to protect water quality and provide a level playing field for legal cannabis cultivators.
• Review 23 existing Cleanup and Abatement Orders that were issued on sites associated with cannabis cultivation for compliance with requirements and issue progressive enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance.
• Provide assistance to cannabis cultivators to maintain compliance with the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order.
• Coordinate with partners at the State Water Board Divisions and Offices, other Regional Water Boards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), tribes, and local agencies to implement a consistent and effective program (e.g. participate in warrant inspections led by law enforcement agencies; support other agency actions by providing technical and legal assessments and testifying at hearing; and collaborate on joint enforcement actions).
• Develop technology and enterprise tools that will improve our ability to implement the Cannabis Program effectively and efficiently. 
• Provide education and outreach to the public, media, and industry and watershed groups on Cannabis General Order and Cannabis Cultivation Policy requirements. 
• Achieve the following goals in calendar year 2024:
• Complete four (4) formal enforcement actions (e.g. Investigative Order, Cleanup and Abatement Order, Cease and Desist Order, or Administrative Civil Liability Complaint) for unregulated cannabis cultivation sites.
• Conduct 40 inspections of unregulated cannabis cultivation sites and issue inspection reports within 30 days of the inspections.
• Process and approve 30 new applications for enrollment.
• Attend one (1) outreach event to educate cannabis growers on Cannabis General Order and Cannabis Cultivation Policy requirements.

For more information visit the Dairy Program web page.

Program Contacts

Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Joshua Luders / 707-576-2551 / Joshua.Luders@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The North Coast Region is home to approximately 100 dairy facilities regulated by the General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dairies Order No. R1-2019-0001 (Dairy Permit). The Dairy Permit applies to existing, new, and expanding cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo dairies. Any dairy facilities that do not meet the conditions of the Dairy Permit must apply for an individual permit.
Dairies generate wastes that include, but are not limited to manure, process wastewater, animal wash water, and any water, precipitation, or rainfall runoff that contacts animal confinement areas and/or raw materials, products, or byproducts such as from milk processing, manure, compost piles, feed, bedding materials, silage, animal tissue or animal mortality. Water quality constituents of concern in these discharges include nitrogen, sediment, dissolved solids, oxygen-depleting organic matter, and pathogens. The Dairy Permit includes requirements for the proper management and operation of animal housing, production areas, ponds or lagoons, riparian areas, and land application areas to reduce and/or eliminate the discharge of waste to waters of the state.
Most of the dairies in the North Coast Region are pasture-based operations, which means they operate with an animal population density low enough to allow for sustainable, seasonal grazing as the primary source of feeding. However, because dairies occasionally concentrate their animals near production areas for purposes such as milking and supplemental feeding during inclement weather, the Dairy Permit includes provisions to ensure that consolidated dairy wastes in these areas are properly managed to protect water quality.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Continue to conduct education and outreach to dairy operators to ensure ongoing and improved implementation of Dairy Permit requirements.
• Conduct compliance inspections at roughly one quarter of all dairies enrolled under the Dairy Permit.
• Assist dairy operators in complying with Dairy Permit groundwater monitoring requirements as implementation deadlines approach.
• Guide the completion of work under a contract with the University of California Cooperative Extension. The contract was designed to better understand and inform the North Coast Region’s pasture-based dairy operations about local environmental conditions that impact their dairy-related nutrient planning and waste management practices.
• Continue to foster relationships and work collaboratively with expert partners such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of California Cooperative Extension, Resource Conservation Districts, County Departments of Agriculture, and the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program to leverage their administrative and technical resources in support of permitted dairy facilities.
• Continue to promote through education and outreach to dairy operators the California Department of Food and Agriculture's grant program for installing digesters and alternative manure management technologies at permitted dairies.

For more information visit the Vineyard Program web page.

Program Contacts

Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Brenna Sullivan / 707-576-2699 / Brenna.Sullivan@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

There are approximately 65,000 acres of commercial vineyards in the North Coast Region, which have the potential to discharge pollutants to surface water and groundwater through the application and storage of pesticides and fertilizer, erosion of sediment, removal and suppression of riparian vegetation, and rainfall and irrigation runoff. The Navarro and Russian Rivers, where the majority of the North Coast Region’s vineyards are located, are listed as impaired under Clean Water Act section 303(d) for excessive sediment and temperature. A Total Maximum Daily Load developed for sediment in the Navarro River identifies vineyards as a significant source of impairment and calls for sediment load reductions from vineyards.
Under the Regional Water Board’s direction, staff have been engaged in a years-long process to develop a regulatory program for protecting beneficial uses from discharges related to vineyard operations, finally settling on the development of regionwide order in the form of general waste discharge requirements. In August 2023, the Regional Board held a public workshop to review and discuss the Draft Vineyard Order, to identify next steps for revising that order based on public comments received, and for ultimately bringing the revised version back to the Regional Water Board for an adoption hearing.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Upon completion of an extensive public engagement effort and consideration of comments received on the Draft Vineyard Order, bring a revised, final version of the Vineyard Order to an adoption hearing before the Regional Water Board in the winter of 2024/25.
• Upon adoption of the Vineyard Order, initiate the process of establishing third-party grower coalitions and vetting voluntary certification programs to support enrollees under the Vineyard Order.
• Upon adoption of the Vineyard Order, initiate a public outreach campaign to inform and support potential enrollees ahead of key implementation deadlines in the Vineyard Order.
• Upon adoption of the Vineyard Order, develop the administrative framework for implementing its provisions and initiate the process of establishing the necessary forms, templates, procedures, and database operations to support staff, enrollees, and members of the interested public as implementation of the Vineyard Order commences.

For more information visit the Lily Bulb Program web page.

Program Contacts

Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Ben Zabinsky / 707-576-6750 / Ben.Zabinsky@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

There are approximately 1,500 acres under rotating production of lily bulbs in the Smith River Plain, currently farmed by three commercial operators. Lily bulb farming activities pose unique threats to water quality in the Smith River Plain, as evidenced by ongoing surface water sampling by Regional Water Board staff. To address these threats, the Regional Water Board Executive Officer approved the Smith River Plain Water Quality Management Plan in November 2021. The Plan was written by staff and developed collaboratively with a group called the Smith River Plain Watershed Stewardship Team. The purpose of the Plan is to guide the voluntary implementation of best management practices intended to protect beneficial uses in the Smith River Plain within an adaptive management framework. While Plan implementation proceeds, Regional Water Board staff is conducting the work necessary to develop general waste discharge requirements for lily bulb farming activities (a.k.a. Lily Bulb Order) to be brought to the Regional Water Board for adoption in 2026.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Implement the next annual cycle of inspections, monitoring, reporting, and meeting(s) of the Watershed Stewardship Team, as called for in the Smith River Plain Water Quality Management Plan.
• Complete ongoing water quality monitoring and data collection efforts in the Smith River Plain to support the development of site-specific water quality objectives for copper toxicity and issue a final report summarizing the results of the two-year study.
• Engage in formal consultations with Tribes who wish to discuss the potential impacts of the Regional Water Board’s intended issuance of the Lily Bulb Order.
• Convene an Order Advisory Group to collaborate with staff in the development of Lily Bulb Order provisions.
• Release an administrative draft of the Lily Bulb Order for the Order Advisory Group’s review and discussion during a series of planned meetings.
• Conduct a public Scoping Meeting and release an Initial Study of the potential impacts of issuing the Lily Bulb Order pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

 

For more information visit the NPDES Stormwater web page. 

Program Contact

Heaven Moore / 707-576-2753 / Heaven.Moore@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program regulates point source discharges to surface waters through the implementation of both Federal and State water quality regulation. The regulated stormwater discharges include 1) municipal stormwater from large cities and counties (Phase 1 MS4) and small cities and counties (Phase 2 MS4), as well as Caltrans; 2) industrial stormwater from facilities under the statewide Industrial General Permit (IGP); and construction stormwater from sites under the statewide Construction General Permit (CGP). 
The NPDES Stormwater team implements these statewide permits for regulated MS4s, facilities, and sites, oversees compliance, conducts inspections and audits, provides compliance support, reviews monitoring data and other reports, and carries out enforcement actions. We also draft the MS4 Phase 1 Permit for adoption by the Board and participate in the drafting process of the statewide permits.
We coordinate with staff across all programs within the Regional Water Board and work closely with State Water Board, US EPA, as well as our regulated entities to stay up to date on new policies and requirements, challenges to implementation, and to represent the needs of the region. 
To implement the federal program mandates of the NPDES regulations, the Regional and State Water Board must meet the metrics set by US EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grant Workplan which sets performance targets for permitting and compliance inspections for the wastewater and stormwater programs. All NPDES permits must be renewed every five years in order to be considered current.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Renew the Phase 1 MS4 permit and reduce the permit backlog to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Permitting Target. 
• Audit 3 MS4 permittees to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan MS4 Audit/Inspection Target.
• Inspect at least 46 CGP regulated facilities to CWA §106 Work Plan Construction Inspection Target.
• Inspect at least 58 IGP regulated facilities to CWA §106 Work Plan Industrial Inspection Target.
• Coordinate with the Enforcement Team to evaluate non-compliance for discretionary enforcement and improve process for tracking and issuing enforcement actions.
• Onboard new stormwater program staff.

For more information visit the NPDES Wastewater web page.

Program Contact

Heaven Moore / 707-576-2753 / Heaven.Moore@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program regulates point source discharges to surface waters through the implementation of both Federal and State water quality regulation. The regulated discharges include treated wastewater and stormwater. We write individual permits for wastewater treatment plants and industrial dischargers that discharge treated wastewater, region specific general orders for categories of dischargers, municipal stormwater permits, and implement statewide general orders adopted by the State Water Board. 
The NPDES Wastewater team drafts these permits for adoption by the Board, acts as case managers for the facilities, oversees compliance, conducts inspections and audits, provides compliance support, reviews monitoring data and other discharge reports, and carries out enforcement actions. 
We coordinate with staff across all programs within the Regional Water Board and work closely with State Water Board, US EPA, as well as our operators and regulated communities to stay up to date on new policies and requirements, challenges to implementation, and to represent the needs of the region. 
To implement the federal program mandates of the NPDES regulations, the Regional and State Water Board must meet the metrics set by US EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grant Workplan which sets performance targets for permitting and compliance inspections for the wastewater and stormwater programs. All NPDES permits must be renewed every five years in order to be considered current.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
• Renew 8 permits and reduce the permit backlog to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Permitting Target. 
• Inspect 6 NPDES major permittees to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Inspection Target.
• Inspect at least 2 sanitary sewage collection systems to meet program the performance targets for the statewide Sanitary Sewer System General Order. 
• Conduct 2 pretreatment compliance audits and one pretreatment compliance inspection to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Pretreatment Target.
• Develop for Board consideration a new Region-Specific General Order for Minor Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants to streamline permitting, reduce the total number of individual permits managed by staff, and make performance targets more achievable.
• Coordinate with Permittees and the Enforcement Team to evaluate submitted data and resolve violations subject to mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs), discretionary enforcement, and issued Notices of Violations.

For more information visit the Waste Discharge to Land Program web page.

Program Contact

Kelsey C. Cody, Ph.D. / 707-576-2347 / Kelsey.Cody@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The Waste Discharge to Land Program protects groundwater quality by regulating facilities whose discharges do not fall within the jurisdiction of the federal NPDES Program or other special permitting programs, such as agriculture. The Waste Discharge to Land Program covers wastewater (sewage) treatment facilities, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS, e.g. septic systems), food processing industries (including wineries), wastewater recycling, lumber mills, and other industries that discharge non-hazardous wastes. The Program currently regulates over 350 facilities in the North Coast region.
The Program’s core permitting activities include completing new or revised individual waste discharge requirements (WDRs), the identification and enrollment of dischargers under existing general WDRs or waivers, and the development of additional general WDRs to regulate classes of dischargers in a consistent manner. The Program also coordinates with and supports 401 Water Quality Certification staff, Industrial General Stormwater Permit staff, and NPDES wastewater staff to facilitate efficient permitting of facilities that require multiple types of permits. 
Program staff also provide support for the region’s disadvantaged communities by coordinating with the State Water Board’s Division of Financial Assistance and other funding partners to secure technical assistance and public funding for needed wastewater infrastructure improvements, such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer system repairs, and recycled water capabilities.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
• Implement the State Water Board’s general WDRs for winery process water.
• Assist in the development of the Russian River Watershed Pathogen TMDL’s Program of Implementation for OWTS and continue early implementation of same.
• Increase efforts in compliance assessment, including site inspections and monitoring report reviews.
• Improve tracking of reports required by permits and enforcement actions.
• Increase advocacy and support for water recycling projects and other water augmentation opportunities.
• Engage in progressive enforcement and prioritization of enforcement actions.
• Meet the following Program performance targets:
• Conduct 28 facility compliance inspections.
• Complete 26 general WDR or waiver enrollments.
• Review 180 facility self-monitoring reports.
• Prepare for Board consideration individual WDRs for the following facilities:
• Rodney Strong Vineyards
• Iron Horse Ranch & Vineyards

For more information visit the Land Disposal Program web page.

Program Contact

Kelsey C. Cody, Ph.D. / 707-576-2347 / Kelsey.Cody@waterboards.ca.gov

Overview and Purpose

The Land Disposal Program regulates the land discharge of solid and liquid wastes to prevent water quality impacts. These wastes include municipal solid waste, hazardous wastes, designated wastes (such as petroleum-impacted soils), and nonhazardous and inert solid wastes. In general, these wastes cannot be discharged directly to the ground surface without impacting groundwater or surface water and, therefore, they must be contained at facilities that prohibit the wastes from migrating to groundwater. The facilities are regulated pursuant to Title 27 (nonhazardous wastes) or Chapter 15 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations (hazardous wastes).
The primary purpose of the program is to protect groundwater and surface water quality from contaminants associated with landfills, liquid waste surface impoundments and other waste containment units. The program achieves this goal by ensuring permits are kept up to date with applicable regulations and by implementing timely enforcement where necessary.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25

• Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
• Increased efforts in compliance assessment, including site inspections.
• Better tracking of reports required by permits and enforcement actions.
• Increased application of progressive enforcement and prioritization of enforcement actions.
• Continue to manage the growth of the only municipal landfill currently accepting waste in the North Coast region, Sonoma County’s Central Solid Waste Disposal Site.
• Meet the following performance targets:
• Revise and adopt one individual WDRs for the following facilities:
  • Sonoma County’s Guerneville Solid Waste Disposal Site
• Conduct eight compliance inspections.
• Review eight self monitoring reports.