Water Quality Standards Certification Program

401 Water Quality Certification and Waste Discharge Requirements

Clean Water Act section 401 Water Quality Certifications: are issued to applicants for a federal license or permit for activities that may result in a discharge into waters of the United States (U.S.), including but not limited to the discharge or dredged or fill material.

Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs): discharges of dredged or fill materials to waters of the State may require WDRs under the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Plan.

  • Construction of, or development projects which include: Residential & Commercial Developments, Dams, Levees, Drop Structures, Debris Basins, Under-grounding, Intake/Outfall Structures, Pilings, Piers.
  • Streambank, Shoreline and Habitat Modifications: Beach Maintenance or Renourishment, streambank Erosion Control, Stabilization; Dredging, Mining, Aquatic Plant Control, Fish or Wildlife Habitat Restoration, Wetlands Restoration.
  • Crossings: Bridges, Culverts, Dams, and Utility Crossings

State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State

On April 2, 2019, the State Water Board adopted the State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State (commonly referred to as the “Procedures”). The Procedures became effective on May 28, 2020. The Procedures regulate projects that discharge fill or dredge materials from waters of the State, including waters of the U.S.

Applying for an Individual Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and/or Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State

  1. Request a pre-filing meeting: A pre-filing meeting request is required for all individual 401 Water Quality Certification applicants at least 30 days prior to submitting an Application pursuant to the CWA Section 401 Certification Rule (effective November 27, 2023). For more information regarding the CWA Section 401 Certification Rule visit: CWA Section 401 Regulatory Requirements | US EPA
    • To submit a request for a pre-filing meeting please email: RB8-401application@Waterboards.ca.gov

  2. Submit an Application: for a 401 Water Quality Certification and/or Waste Discharge Requirements
  3. Submitting an Application Fee:
    • Dredge and Fill Fee Calculator
      • Make an online payment; Submit a pdf receipt of the electronic payment with reference to the project name
      • Pay fees via check made payable to State Water Resources Control Board and delivered to:

        • Santa Ana Regional Water Resources Control Board
        Attn: 401 Certification Unit
        3737 Main Street, Suite 500 Riverside, CA 92501
        (Please include project name and/or file no. on the check)


Contacts

For General Inquires, to Submit an Application, or Request a Pre-Filing Meeting contact:

To Submit Annual Project Reports, Project Status Notifications, and Conditional Notifications and Reports contact:

An emergency is defined as a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services. Emergency includes such occurrences as fire, flood, earthquake, or other soil or geological movement, as well as such occurrences such as riots, accidents, or sabotage. [Public Resources Code § 21060.3] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Los Angeles District issued Regional General Permit 63 (RPG 63) in October 2023. RGP 63 requires notification to the USACE, Los Angles District and notification to the Santa Ana Water Board for project under its jurisdiction. Links to the Certification Order, Notice of Intent Form, and Notice of Completion form in the link below: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/cwa401/generalorders.html.

Projects that do not qualify for coverage under RGP 63 will require the issuance of an individual Certification from the Santa Ana Water Board. For information about receiving emergency permit coverage under RGP 63, contact the USACE's Los Angeles District office. For further information on receiving an emergency CWA 401Certification, please review our web pages for the Certification program or contact RB8-401Application@waterboards.ca.gov.