The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2012-13

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

Overall of the facilities were inspected statewide. For compliance purposes, some facilities are inspected more than once a year, which is why the total number of inspections is greater than the total number of facilities inspected.

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. Because of their size, major facilities represent a higher threat to water quality and receive a higher degree of compliance assurance activities. The Water Board's Memorandum of Agreement with US EPA specifies that major facilities be inspected annually. It is the policy of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to ensure compliance with Water Quality Control Plans, NPDES permits, and Waste Discharge Requirements through Regional Board implementation of a comprehensive self- monitoring and compliance inspection program.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Extracted on August 12, 2013.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected annually during FY 12-13.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA contractors. Facilities Inspected: Count of facilities inspected one or more times during a fiscal year.
• References: Information on the Water Boards' NPDES program
  Public Reports and Data
  Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

GLOSSARY

Major Facility

Major municipal dischargers include all facilities with design flows of greater than one million gallons per day and facilities with approved industrial pretreatment programs. Major industrial facilities are determined based on specific ratings criteria developed by US EPA/State.

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.

Inspection (Compliance and Non Compliance)

The Regional Board or State Board may inspect the facilities of any discharger at any time pursuant to Water Code, Section 13267. Compliance activities include all activities necessary to determine if discharges are in compliance with waste discharge requirements, NPDES permits, and related enforcement orders. Compliance inspections are classified as either Level A or Level B, with Level A being more thorough.

( Page last updated:  9/13/13 )