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The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2010-11

REGULATE: NPDES WASTEWATER

GROUP: GENERAL NPDES FACILITIES
MEASURE: NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS
NUMBER OF FACILITIES INSPECTED
MESSAGE:   Approximately 16% of the facilities regulated under NPDES general permits were inspected by the Regional Boards.

MEASUREMENTS

 

 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data show that facilities actively enrolled under a general permit are not inspected as frequently as individually regulated facilities. Statewide 16% of these facilities received an inspection. Almost 80% of the inspections were carried out by two Regional Boards.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

Inspections are a primary tool used in determining and documenting compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and waste discharge requirements. Facilities regulated under a general permit have a lower threat to water quality and therefore the recommended inspection frequency is lower than that of individually regulated facilities.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

GLOSSARY

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.

( Page last updated:  9/19/11 )

 
 

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