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

REGULATE: NPDES WASTEWATER

MEASUREMENTS

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data shows that facilities actively enrolled under a general permit are not inspected as frequently as individually regulated facilities. Statewide 15% of these facilities received an inspection. Almost 99% of the inspections were carried out by three 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

• Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Extracted on July 17, 2010.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected at least once during FY 09-10.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA.
• References: More information on the Water Boards’ NPDES program is available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/npdes/
• Public reports and data are available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml
• Enforcement and compliance assurance information is available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/enforcement/ 

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.

( Updated 9/20/11 )