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California Water Quality Monitoring Council

Welcome to The Office of Enforcement

The Office of Enforcement was created in 2006 to emphasize enforcement as a key component of the Water Boards’ water quality regulatory functions and statutory responsibilities.

Our role is to ensure that violations of orders and permits result in firm, fair, and consistent enforcement through direct actions, the development of policies and guidance, and the identification of metrics for decision-making on enforcement issues.

We are comprised of legal and investigative staff. The attorneys assist technical staff in the State Water Board and Regional Water Boards in bringing administrative liability actions before the Water Boards and help prepare cases for referral to outside prosecutors. The investigative staff is divided into three units; the Special Investigation Unit (SIU); the Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Enforcement Unit; and, the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Unit (FWA).

   

Legal

Legal

Legal Unit - Legal support for all administrative civil liability actions for core regulatory programs and contested cease and desist order and cleanup and abatement orders. [ Examples ]



   
Special Investigations Unit

Special Investigations Unit

Special Investigations Unit - Supports regional board investigations when additional staff and/or expertise are needed, investigates operator certification violations, and undertakes special enforcement projects for the Executive Director.

If you want to report water quality violations, please call the Office of Enforcement at (916) 341-5272.

   

Marijuana Cultivation
California Department
of Fish & Wildlife

Cannabis Cultivation Enforcement

Investigates the impacts to water supply and water quality caused by cannabis cultivation. The State and Regional Water Boards (The Water Boards) are working with local, state and federal agencies to enforce environmental laws. One of our goals is providing public outreach and education to cannabis cultivators about best management practices and proper permitting.

Discharge of waste to waters of the State without a permit and/or any diversion and use of water without an appropriate water right may be subject to enforcement and possible penalties.

   


Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention

Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund Enforcement - If you think someone is committing potential fraud or misusing Fund monies, it is important to let us know about it. All allegations of potential fraud are taken seriously, and you can remain anonymous. Please include as much information as possible.
   




Tanks

Underground Storage Tanks Enforcement Unit

Underground Storage Tanks Enforcement Unit - Investigates violations of leak prevention requirements, tank tester licenses, and Cleanup Fund fraud.
   
Operator Certification Program

Operator Certification Program

Operator Certification Program: The State Water Board enforces the laws and regulations governing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operators and drinking water treatment and distribution operators. Although the Office of Operator Certification in the Division of Financial Assistance administers the operator certification program, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigates potential cases of wrongdoing and takes enforcement action when warranted.

If you want to report water quality violations, please call the Office of Enforcement at (916) 341-5272.

 
 

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