ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2009-10

CLEAN UP: GROUNDWATER

MEASUREMENTS

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data shows that of the 4,203 cases that were active during FY 09-10 approximately 16% were taking actions to clean up and remediate the effects of pollution at different levels. Region 4 has a large number of active cases that are not in active remediation when compared to the rest of the Regional Water Boards.

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.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data source: GEOTRACKER.  Period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Extracted on August 3, 2010.
• Data Definitions: Active Cases: The number of cases overseen by Regional Boards that had an Open status as of June 30, 2010. Cases In Active Remediation: Cases with a status of Open-Remediation any time between 07/01/2009 and 06/30/2010. Cases in Assessment & Interim Remediation: Cases being assessed or monitored previous to remediation. Site Assessment: Cases currently being assessed. Verification Monitoring: Cases currently being monitored.
• References: More information on the Water Boards’ Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup program is available at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ust/
• Public reports and data are available at: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/

GLOSSARY:

Site Cleanup

The Site Cleanup program addresses commercial, industrial and other non-military sites with non-fuel contamination. Many of these sites are considered Brownfields because of their reuse potential. These sites are regulated under Site Cleanup Requirements, which are issued by the Regional Water Boards. Site Cleanup Requirements generally mandate a time schedule for specific tasks that must be performed by the responsible party(ies) to investigate and clean up the site.  Water Board staff oversee implementation of these tasks including investigations, corrective actions, and human health risk assessments at sites with current or historic unauthorized discharges, which have adversely affected or threaten to adversely affect waters of the state.

Procedures for site investigation and remediation are promulgated in State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 92-49 entitled Policies and Procedures For Investigation and Cleanup and Abatement of Discharges Under Water Code Section 13304. Responsible parties conduct work in a stepwise fashion, starting with preliminary assessment, then soil and water investigation; interim remedial measures if warranted; risk assessment; setting cleanup goals; cleanup plan; cleanup implementation and monitoring. Most often, responsible parties conduct the work voluntarily, but sometimes enforcement orders are necessary to compel the work to be performed.

Site Remediation

Site remediation comprises the phase(s) of work where the actual construction or implementation of activities to accomplish cleanup at a site occurs.

( Updated 9/20/11 )