The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2009-10

CLEAN UP: GROUNDWATER

MEASUREMENTS

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data shows that of the 2,172 cases that were active during FY 09-10 approximately 18% were taking actions to clean up and remediate the effects of pollution at different levels. Regions 1, 4, 6B and 7  have a large number of 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.
• Unit of Measure: Number of cases.
• Data Definitions:Active Cases: The number of cases 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.
• References: More information on the Water Boards’ Department of Defense program is available at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/dept_of_defense/overview.shtml
• Public reports and data are available at: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/

GLOSSARY

Military Sites- Department of Defense Program

Decades of defense activities have degraded water quality on and around federally-owned facilities. Working with other agencies, the Regional Boards are involved with remedial investigation and cleanup actions. Agreements with the Department of Defense provide for accelerated cleanups at military bases and other Defense sites scheduled for closure and reuse. Site investigation and cleanup procedures are consistent with State laws and regulations as well as applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) which guides the federal Superfund program.

( Updated 9/20/11 )